Bandage Types
Robert Jones Bandage
Used for temporary immobilization of fractures distal to the elbow or
stifle before surgery
Must extend one joint above and below the structure you wish to
immobilize
Large bulky bandage that provides rigid stabilization
Tape stirrups are placed on the lateral aspects of the
limb. A tongue depressor is placed between them to
prevent adherence of the stirrups to each another
Adhesive tape
stirrups are
initially placed on
the patient's foot
Roll cotton is
wrapped along the
length of the limb.
Cotton padding can
be used to create a
thicker bandage if
necessary
Elastic gauze is
wrapped over the
cotton and pulled
fairly tight to
compress it
Not Shown:
The stirrups are
reflected on top
of the gauze
Protective tape,
nonocclusive is then
firmly applied. Elastic
tape, in this case
Vetrap®, forms the
outer layer of the
bandage
The completed bandage should feel solid, and a
“ping” should be heard on percussion
C
Bandage Types
Modified Robert Jones bandage
(simple padded bandage)
Less bulky
Reduce post operative swelling of limbs
Provides little or no splinting or immobilization
• Very common bandage
• Forelimb or hindlimb
• Numerous indications
– Protect incision or wound
– Provide support (minimal)
– Prevent / reduce swelling
Tips
– Always work distal to proximal
– Maintain constant pressure
– 50 % overlap
– Place the limb in functional position
– Avoid wrinkles
– Visualization of middle toes
Modified Robert
Jones or simple
padded bandage
A. Tape stirrups
and a padded
secondary layer
are applied to the
limb
B. This is followed
by application of
a gauze tertiary
layer
Make sure at least 2 toes are visible!
C. The stirrups
are reflected to
adhere to the
gauze, and the
bandage is
covered by
protective tape
Bandage Types
Chest or abdominal bandage
Applied firmly but without constriction of the chest or abdomen
Applied in the standard three layers as described previously
Splints
Distal limb splints
Can be made with tongue depressors or pre made
aluminum splints
Used for temporary immobilization or definitive
stabilization, commonly used on:
Distal Radius and Ulna
Carpus and Tarsus
Metacarpal, Metatarsals, and Phalanges
Splints
Used to support traumatized distal limbs
Limb should be well padded to prevent pressure points
from developing
Always be placed on the caudal aspect of the
limb
Cast Application
Stabilization of certain fractures distal to the elbow or stifle
Immobilization of limbs to protect ligament or tendon ruptures
Must extend one joint above and below the structure you wish to
immobilize
Specialized Bandages
Ear bandages
May be used in the treatment of aural hematomas
After ear surgeries
After traumatic injuries to the pinna
Used to help immobilize the ear which increases the comfort for the
patient
Specialized Bandages
Tail Bandages
Protect an amputation site
Trauma to the tip of the tail
Aftercare of Bandages, Casts, Splints
and Slings
Close monitoring
of the patient
Monitor them daily for in hospital patients
Weekly for out of hospital patients
Client education is essential
Toes need to monitored daily for:
Warmth
Color
Swelling
Foul odor from area
Aftercare of Bandages, Casts, Splints
and Slings
Closely monitor the patient for:
Foul odor from area
Watch for chafing or rubbing from the bandage
Patient should not be allowed to:
Chew or lick at the bandage
(placement of Elizabethan collars may be required)
Exercise should be restricted to short leash walks
Protect the bandage from dirt and moisture when patient is outside
(Placement of a plastic bag or waterproof material over the bandage)
Cover placed over the bandage should not be left on for more than 30
minutes, allowing the bandage to “breathe”
Aftercare of Bandages, Casts, Splints
and Slings
Abrasions
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Partial thickness wounds of epidermis
Deep dermis is exposed
Can be painful
Associated with minimal bleeding
Develop minimal exudate
Heal by reepithelialization
Healing enhanced by keeping surface moist
and protected
Lacerations
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Have sharply incised edges with minimal tissue trauma
Can be superficial (skin)
Can be deep (tendons, muscle)
<12 hours after injury
 Minimal débridement, lavage, primary closure
 >12 hours after injury
 En bloc débridement, primary closure
Puncture Wounds
 Have small openings, deep tissue damage
 Treatment
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Exploration
Débridement
Lavage
Primary closure, or drain
Degloving Injuries
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Common in small animals
Often result of being hit by car, and dragged
Anatomic degloving
Physiological degloving
Treatment
 Débridement, lavage,
management of open
wound
Decubital Ulcers
 Result of compression of soft tissue and skin
between body prominence and surface an
animal is lying upon
 Possibility of secondary infections
 Treatment
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Prevention is best
Minimal débridement
Closures often fail
Skin flaps preferred in some cases