How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Clare Tapsfield-Wright — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:42:59 GMT

[quote user="Evelyn Barbour-Hill"]

[quote user="Stephen Courtney"]I have seen some appalling messes emerge from bandages, usually because owner's haven't listened - so i'd be redressing pretty frequently especially at the beginning, and we too issue written advice on how to care for the dressings and signs of problems. Still don't trust the public![/quote]

Certainly you need to monitor frequently, I just don't see the point of actually changing the splint dressing if your inspection shows it to be OK.

Certainly never trust an owner until you know they are trustworthy. You give them careful instructions, with above all "keep it dry" and 3 days later they are back with a soggy stinking thing reminiscent of school dinners attached to the leg with an elaborate tourniquet of insulating tape........

[/quote] So true !

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 23:10:43 GMT

Certainly you need to monitor frequently, I just don't see the point of actually changing the splint dressing if your inspection shows it to be OK.

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Virginia Campbell — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 22:57:58 GMT

What Stephen said.

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Stephen Courtney — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 21:32:40 GMT

I'm not convinced a single fractured metatarsal needs to be dressed for very long at all - long enough to get the initial swelling down and pain under control, then i'd try and leave it undressed - i loathe foot bandages on dogs, and don't trust owners to be sensible at all .

Single metatarsal above digit 3, is that right? in the centre of the foot, so well supported by collateral bones and ligaments, displacement not likely - i'd let this one go after the 2 weeks it has had already.

I have seen some appalling messes emerge from bandages, usually because owner's haven't listened - so i'd be redressing pretty frequently especially at the beginning, and we too issue written advice on how to care for the dressings and signs of problems. Still don't trust the public!

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Clare Tapsfield-Wright — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 19:26:45 GMT

Agree with previous posts but would stress to owner that if dog suddenly quiet and less bouncy not to hesitate to come in soon as possible as often the first sign of a sore toe or pressure sore especially if bandage gets wet

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Hannah Wynne Richards — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:18:20 GMT

I'd ask my excellent RVN to put the bandage on in the 1st place. Her bandaging skills are vastly superior to mine.

Wynne

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Luca Poddighe — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 16:14:45 GMT

I agree with all the comment above it depends a lot on how much you trust the owner. If I trust them enough I'd change the bandage every 2 weeks (assuming it doesn't fall before ) unless any nasty smells or swelling. Giving a leaflet about bandage maintenance is a good idea.

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 14:23:56 GMT

Thankyou, and for the fast responses

Yes there is no wound and the dog is restricted (thanks for the lead advise)

I promised I'd call them back today to let them know, so will get it checked in 10 days

Neil

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Anthony Todd — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 14:09:28 GMT

I used to glance at them every week or sooner if owner was suss.

Old drip bags strapped on, helps keep them dry.

KEEP ON LEAD is key too

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 14:00:17 GMT

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]When would you next change the dressing assuming it stays clean and dry?[/quote]

Three weeks' time if it stays clean, dry and comfortable.

I read your post as meaning there is no wound, only the fracture. If there's a wound, well, probably more often: it depends upon what sort of wound and what material you've put against the wound surface.

Monitor more often, obviously: inspect, prod, smell.

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Hannah Wynne Richards — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 13:52:08 GMT

I agree with Micheal. I'd trust some owners for weeks - with others, 48 hours is too long.

Wynne

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 13:38:55 GMT

Am I allowed to answer, as I've only touched cows today, so far?

It would depend how much I could trust the owner. I would (and have) left for up to 14 days, I've had some people bring them in to be checked every 48 hours.

We give written advice on keeping dry, increasing lameness, bothering dog then must come back ASAP etc.

Re: How long would you leave a bandage on with a gutter splint?

Will McMullan — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 13:37:09 GMT

I have left well padded bandages on for 10-14 days without any problems many times.