why use bandages?
promote wound health, prevents hematoma and seroma formation, immobilization of wound, min edema around incision, min excessive granulation, absorbs wound exudate, promotes acid environment, keeps wound warm
what are the layers of bandages?
1. primary (contact), 2. secondary, 3. tertiary layers
what is used in the primary bandage layer?
nonadherent material
what is nonadherent material?
used in the primary layer, either occlusive or semiocclusive; keeps wound surface moist, draws tissue debris from wound
what is occlusive?
layer that is impermeable to moisture but allows some air transer, for min exudative wounds,change every 4-7dys
what is semiocclusive?
allows air and moisture vapor to move through the dressing, for mod to copious exudate, change frequently (daily-every 3rd day)
what is used in the secondary layer?
absorbent, padded, conforming layer of cast padding or rolled cotton
what is used in the tertiary layer?
the holding and protective layer fo some form of gauze, eleastic wrap, or adhesive tape, nonocclusive, keep dry
what are the steps in bandage placement?
1. anchoring tape stirrups, 2. primary bandage layer over wound, 3. padded secondary layer, 4. gauze tertiary layer, 5. splint, 6. reflection/twisting of tape back up gauze layer, 7. protective tertiary layer of tape
how can you check to make sure a bandage isn't too tight?
by sticking two fingers under the edge of the bandage
where do you check for chafing when bandaging an extremity?
in axillary and groin areas
what can be used to help prevent licking or scratching at bandages?
e-collar or a side brace
describe cast material
fiberglass (light wt, rigid, rapid setting time, ventilation, waterproof), used instead of a tertiary layer
what are casts used for?
fx distal to the elbow or stifle and to immoblize limbs to protect ligament or tendon repairs, not for humeral or femur fx
describe robert jones bandage
most commonly used to stabilize fx distal to elbow and stifle, lg bulky bandage that provides rigid stabilization b/c of extreme compression of thick cotton secondary layer
describe modified robert jones bandage
simple padded bandage, less bulky, to reduce postoperative swelling of limbs, little or no splinting of limbs, use cast padding
describe chest or abdominal bandage
3 layers, apply tighter to control bleeding, can use rolled towel to apply additional pressure, left in place no longer than 4 hrs
describe distal limb splints
can be made of tongue depressor, aluminum splint, cast material, or thermalplastics; temp immobilization of certain fx of the distal radius and ulna, carpus, tarsus, metacarpals, metatarsals, and phalanges; placed on caudal portion of the limb
describe ehmer slings
immobilizes a hind limb after reduction of coxofermoral luxation and to prevent wt-bearing after sx on the pelvis; no padding needed-just adhesive tape to prevent slipping
what does an ehmer sling do?
rotates internally and adduction of the coxofemoral joint
what are the different types of slings?
ehmer, 90-90 flexion, velpeau, carpal flexion slings
describe a 90-90 flexion sling
applied to the stifle and hock placed in a 90* angle, used to prevent stifle joint stiffness and hypertension
describe a velpeau sling
holds forelimb against chest and prevents movement of all joints, prevents wt bearing; immobilizes scapular fx
describe carpal flexion sling
non-wt bearing forelimb sling, tape crisscrosses on the caudal aspect of the carpus
describe hobbles
used adhesive tape on distal hind limbs to prevent excessive abduction on the limbs, used after coxofermoral reduction, pelvis fx to reduce activity
what is another reason to use hobbles?
to prevent injury or further trauma on wounds on later chest or abdomen
a thomas splint is an example of a
traction splint
a wet-to-dry bandage is best for what type of wound?
contaminated wounds that need to be debrided
a fx in what bone is least likely to be effectively immobilized w/ a splint?
humerus
what sling is used to stabilize the coxofemoral joint?
ehmer
what is the correct order for placing a splint on the antebrachium?
place tape stirrups, place a contact layer on the wound, a layer of padding, a gauze conforming layer, and the splint, and attach
what is the max length of time that a compression bandage should be left on?
4 hours
what procedures would be chosen to allow a wound to heal by second intention?
wound left open and not closed sx
a contaminated wound differs from one that is infected in that
the bacterial count is lower in a contaminated wound
what would delay wound healing?
moisture
what fluid should you choose to lavage a deep traumatic wound?
warm sterile solution
what is true about a degloving injury in a dog?
it results in skin loss
what bandages should not be used on wounds w/ exudate?
an occlusive bandage
the function of a robert jones bandage is to
stabilize a fx before sx
what bandage is most commonly used for temp immobilization of fx dital to the elbow or stifle before sx?
robert jones
how frequently should splints be adjusted on foals?
twice a day
the equine joint that is never splinted is the
stifle
the robert jones bandage is not appropriate for stabilizingfx of the
femur or humerus
what is the correct order for the processes of wound healing?
inflammation, debridement, repair, maturation
what phase of healng begins immediately after tissue injury?
inflammation
what phase of healing begins approx 6hrs after tissue injury?
debridement
what phase of healing begins 3-5dys after tissue injury?
repair