Wound management and bandaging techniques

Wound management and bandaging techniques

Wound Management in Veterinary Nursing

Understanding Different Wounds

• Wounds may be open, where the skin is broken, or closed, like bruises.
• They may also be categorised as clean, contaminated, or infected, based on the presence of harmful microorganisms.
• Chronic wounds are those that take a long time to heal or do not heal completely.

Initial Wound Care

• Isolate the wounded area to prevent the animal from scratching or biting it.
• Clean the wound using a non-toxic disinfectant, avoiding substances like alcohol that can damage tissue.
• If professional veterinary care is not immediately available, a temporary bandage can be applied to reduce further damage and provide comfort.

Tetanus Risk

• Deep wounds or those caused by punctures or bites carry a higher risk of tetanus, making a tetanus shot potentially necessary.

Veterinary Bandaging Techniques

Primary Layer

• The primary layer is in contact with the wound. It can be non-adherent, meant to be easily removed without causing pain, or adherent, meant to stick to the wound and remove dead tissue when peeled off.

Secondary and Tertiary Layers

• The secondary layer absorbs body fluids draining from the wound. Cotton and gauze are frequently used.
• The tertiary layer holds the other bandage layers in place and protects them from outside contaminants and moisture.

Bandaging Techniques

• A Robert Jones bandage is a heavily padded bandage for temporary use on a fractured limb.
• Modified Robert Jones bandages provide less padding and are used to provide support after limb surgeries.
• A distal limb bandage is used for wounds on paws or lower limbs. Usually consists of a non-adherent layer (a dressing), absorbent secondary layer (roll cotton, cast padding), and a tertiary protective layer (vet warp).

Changing Bandages

• Bandages must be checked regularly for signs of excessive pressure, such as swelling or discolouration below the bandage.
• If the wound is healing, bandages might be changed less often with each change monitored by a veterinary professional.

Bandage and Wound Aftercare

• The pet owner should prevent pet from scratching, biting, or licking the bandage, and ensure the bandage remains dry and clean.
• Bandages should be replaced if they become wet, dirty or start to smell.
• Any changes such as pain, swelling, or discharge should be reported to a veterinary professional immediately.

Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005

• Any person involved with animals must ensure that those animals are not caused any unnecessary pain, suffering or injury. This includes through appropriate wound management and bandaging.