How often does the bandage or splint need to be changed?
If the wound beneath the bandage is infected, the bandage will need to be changed 1-2 times per day for the first few days, until the infection is under control.
Since the purpose of a splint is to help immobilize an injured body part, it is usually changed less frequently. In puppies that are growing rapidly, the splint may need to be changed weekly to allow it to be adjusted for proper fit. In adult dogs, a splint may be left in place for several weeks if there are no complications.
Your veterinarian will tell you how often the bandage or splint on your pet will need to be changed, depending on the specifics of the case.
Why has my veterinarian applied a bandage or splint to my dog?
Bandages and splints protect the underlying tissues from self-trauma such as licking, which will delay healing and may promote infection.
Bandages are mainly used to protect a wound, incision, or injury while it is healing. A bandage protects the wound surface from contamination with dirt or debris from the environment. It may be used to cover a layer of topical medication that was applied to the wound, preventing the medication from being rubbed or licked off. In some cases, a bandage is used to hold an injured part against another part of the body, such as bandaging an injured ear to the head, or bandaging an injured or broken toe to the other toes on the foot.
Splints are used to provide protection and support to an injured area. They serve the same protective functions as a bandage does and have the additional benefit of preventing movement of the injured part. If a splint is used to support a fractured bone, it will be applied so that it immobilizes both the joint above and the joint below the fracture.
For paw knuckling, the Walkin No-Knuckling training sock was designed with hind leg weakness in mind. The knuckling support sock aids in retraining dogs on how to pick their foot up and walk without dragging its paw. Anti-knuckling devices are a critical part of the canine rehabilitation process and can be incorporated into gait training exercises and underwater treadmill sessions.
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Having a dog with a leg injury is no fun. Finding the right product is essential. Walkin Pets offers a range of soft neoprene leg wraps that support the hock or carpal joints. Walkin’ leg wraps hug a dog’s leg like an ace bandage, to provide light compression and support during recovery. Light leg support is great for dogs with minor leg injuries such as a sprain or strain, as a pet heals, and also for continued support at night when a canine leg brace is removed.
How to bandage a broken leg in a puppy
Bandaging is a common practice to achieve various goals in small animal practice. Limb or fracture immobilization, coverage of open wound management, coverage of a surgical site, and prevention of patient interference are all common reasons (though not an exhaustive list) to apply a bandage. While commonly done, bandaging is significantly more complicated, and even dangerous, than often appreciated.