Last night I changed Foster’s bandage for the first time since he left the hospital, and marked another first in my horseperson belt of experiences. Getting the old bandage off was an absolute act of God, since my bandage scissors did didley-squat to get through all those layers. I resorted to using regular scissors, and still struggled, and will be getting myself a razor blade for the next time- now I understand why the surgeon used that approach. Silly me.
For others out there who are likewise uninitiated in the post-surgical wrapping of a fetlock, here is how you bandage a Fosterpants.
Break a sweat getting old bandage off. Thank horse for neither mutilating you as you wage war on his appendage, and for standing like a statue as you search for angles that will allow you to cut into the bandage while not further injuring said horse or falling on your backside like a twit.
Admire one heavily shaved Frankenfoster foot.
Add small pile of gauze sponges over each surgical site. Try not to think about those surgical sites.
Wrap the ankle in cast padding to secure the gauze in place. Wonder if you have used enough cast padding. Check video of surgeon’s wrap, twice, to be sure.
Take thick sheet cotton and wrap the leg from knee to hoof, a la standing-wrap style. Worry over the fact that cotton does not roll onto the leg smoothly.
Add vet wrap, keeping everything nice and snug underneath. Have internal debate about “snug” versus “too-tight”. Finally remember that the surgeon said it’s tough to go too tight on vet wrap.
Roll on elastikon from top of bandage to bottom, attaching to the heel bulb for security. Loathe the fact that you use a whole roll each time, and these suckers cost almost $10 each. What are they made of, dreams and stardust?
End with a freshly bandaged, albeit somewhat lumpy looking Fosterpants.
Then try not to think about doing it all over again in another 2-3 days.
Red on the Right 
Seriously – why is elasticon so expensive? That’s one beautiful wrap!
I don’t understand how something so simple can be so pricey! But, it gets the job done so I guess we’ll stick with it 🙂
Well the incision sites and leg in general look GREAT! Excellent bandaging job, you deserve wine now.
Thank you- and yes, I definitely gave myself a pat on the back paired with a glass of Shiraz when I finished 🙂
Elastikon is pricey. I had to wrap Houston like that when he sliced he ankle open on a hoof stand. I feel your pain!
For how expensive it is it should be… prettier. Why can’t it at least come in fun colors like vet wrap if it’s going to be so gosh darn expensive?
I do NOT miss bandage changing! Start bribing some medical professionals for stolen supplies. 🙂
His little incisions look very neat and clean. It’s hard to believe that there’s so much change on the inside with so little reflected on the outside. Do you just have to bandage until suture removal?
My vet is getting me a deal on the elastikon.. but still- $8.50 a roll makes me cringe. And then there’s all the other supplies I need. *eye roll*
From what I’m told he may need a bandage (though not sure if this means the whole shabang bandage or just a small bandage) for a couple days after suture removal, then we’re bandage free!
that’s one heck of a bandage. you made nice work of it tho – hopefully it’ll just get easier as he heals!!
Lovely wrap! To bad you can’t keep just the vet wrap and no elastican- Foster looks good in blue 😁
What an intense process!
“What are they made of, dreams and stardust?”
ROFLMAO!