| Proper Application |
Self-adhesive wraps must be applied with the proper tension.
Care must be taken when applying these bandages. Pulling them too tight can
restrict circulation, especially if the leg is inflamed and swells.
Wrinkles in
the material also result in uneven pressure that can cause
focal damage to
tendon sheaths and tendons.
• Start the wrap over the cannon bone, not over the suspensory or flexor
tendons.
• If right handed, wrap with the starting edge in your left hand, roll in
your right, and vice versa.
• Apply with sufficient tension to keep the material at approximately half of
its full stretch for most cases, more only if using over heavy padding
to stop
bleeding.
• Check each layer for any wrinkles in the material, and smooth them out,
before covering them up with the next layer.
• Overlap layers by about half the width of the wrap.
• At the ankle, be sure to use two to three layers as a "sling" underneath
the sesamoid bones.
• When using for support wraps, take the wrap all the way up to under the
knee, do not end along the body of the flexor tendons.
• Do not apply the bandage tightly enough to indent the tissues at the end of
the wrap.
• When used with bandage material or cotton underneath, be sure not to
wrinkle or bunch it during adhesive-wrap application.
• When used for support during exercise, use one or two tabs of tape at the
end of the wrap for extra security.
If you’re not certain that you can apply stretch wraps safely, you’re better
off going with a sports boot. Whether the problem area is ankle,
tendons or
suspensory, best support is provided by a boot with a good
support "sling" for
the ankle.
Stretchy polo wraps can be used for work but don’t adhere to the leg well,
often come down and are much heavier than self-adhesive wraps,
especially if
they get wet. When you know the going will be wet or
muddy, you might consider
substituting SealTex (contact your local tack
store), a latex bandage that is
waterproof. If you would like a
reusable, washable option to disposable
self-adhesive wraps, the
closest would be the Saratoga Bandage
(www.horseworks.com
800-848-1914). Lighter than polo wraps, the Saratoga has
more
stretch/give and silicon strips on the interior for good grip ($48 for a
set of four). |
Although they’re a bit pricey for long-term daily use, self-adherent elastic
bandages do many jobs well, and a supply should be on hand in every barn. These
wraps are lighter than standard stall wraps, don’t usually absorb much water,
and generally conform well to the area you’re wrapping.
Like with household duct tape, you’ll find countless jobs in the barn for
these wraps beyond their intended uses. You can apply a few layers of any
adhesive wrap when you need grip or padding, such as on bucket handles, knobs,
faucets and hoof picks. A few layers around the foot rest of stirrups may
provide a bit of extra grip, if you want or need that feature.
We’ve seen these bandages wrapped around pitchforks, twitch handles, halter
and bridle crownpieces and even just to add color to some equipment or easily
identify an item (for example, the fork with the red wrap is only used with
hay). However, the most common uses for these wraps involve placing the wraps
directly on horses.
Breeding-Stock Tail Wraps
These wraps are great for reproductive exams, breeding and foaling. Flexus
Plus is a particularly good choice since it’s the least likely to be applied too
tightly. Note: No tail wrap should be left on a mare for extended periods of
time. The arterial supply to the tail is easily cut off, resulting in loss of
the tail below the area of compression. Self-adhesive wraps shouldn’t be used
instead of standard tail wraps in most cases.
Compression and Stop Bleeding
We found the most compression can be obtained using Equisport or PowerFlex.
Place the wrap over several layers of gauze when there is arterial bleeding. If
you’re using Co-Flex or Vetrap, roll your gauze then secure the roll in place
for better pressure.
For non-arterial bleeding, CoFlex or Vetrap provide plenty of pressure. The
Flexus wrap may be snug enough for slow oozing, but we didn’t find it heavy
enough for arterial bleeding.
Bandaging Wounds
PowerFlex is our least favorite for bandaging wounds, since we found it could
fairly easily be applied too tightly and only stretches in one direction. We
suggest using Co-Flex or Vetrap for difficult-to-wrap areas with lots of curves
or boney points (e.g. ankle, knee, hock) and for the most flexibility in the
amount of pressure applied to the wound. If a large amount of swelling is
expected (e.g. tendon pulls/strains), we think Flexus Plus would be good for the
first day or two, since it appears to apply the least pressure.
| Put It To Use |
|
• Keep a good supply of these wraps on hand.
• Be certain you know how to apply the wrap to avoid circulation
interference.
• Take care not to over-tighten the area you’re wrapping.
• Don’t re-use these disposable wraps.
• Apply at half-stretch in most cases. |
Support for Working Legs
Nothing can take all the strain off a leg, but tendon/ankle wraps do provide
some protection against overflexion or injuries caused by twisting,
slipping and
landing unevenly. When the horse has had a prior injury,
support wraps are
especially important and provide comfort to the horse
just like a wrist or ankle
brace does when we wear it.
A self-adherent wrap is lightweight and interferes the least with the horse’s
natural gaits and adding minimally, if at all, to his workload.
We found the most rigid support with PowerFlex. However, since it only
stretches in one direction, care must be used to properly form a sling
for the
fetlock support. We found this wrap difficult to apply smoothly
in this area.
The Equisport wrap seemed to have more strength and support than regular
Vetrap and conforms extremely well to all areas. For horses that need
less
support, we think Co-Flex or Vetrap will do.
Feet, Hooves and Hoof Packs
When you need to poultice a foot or provide protection for an injury or
pared-out abscess, these wraps are easy to apply and stay in place
extremely
well on feet. The only problem is longevity. We found
PowerFlex lasts the
longest, followed by the EquiSport.
Bottom Line
Price is not a big issue here. Vetrap and Co-Flex range from $1.30 to $2 per
roll. Flexus Plus and Power Flex run 30¢ to 50¢ more per roll. We found
EquiSport was the most expensive, from $2.50 to over $3 per roll.
Our first pick for a product to have in hand for multiple possible uses would
be Vetrap. Although Co-Flex is close in its characteristics and
strength, we
found Vetrap applies more easily, making it less prone to
wrinkles, and tears
more easily when you need it to. For the best
support for working horses, with
enough flexibility to conform well at
the ankle, we’ll go with the Equisport
bandage.
For maximum compression and heavy-duty jobs like hoof wraps and grips for
stirrup irons, Power Flex is our first choice.
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