Care of a Cast or Dressing

Please follow this advice carefully when looking after your pet's cast or bandages:

• The bandage MUST be kept clean and dry. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. If the bandage gets WET or SLIPS– please contact the surgery immediately to get the bandage changed otherwise infection and/or sore damaged skin will result.
• Your pet MUST be given STRICT REST. Exercise will cause friction/movement and increase the risk of rubbing.
• Your dog may go out to the garden ON THE LEAD to toilet only. Whenever your dog goes outside, bandages MUST BE COVERED with a waterproof boot or plastic bag secured with tape (NOT elastic bands which can stop blood supply or pins which can cause injury). This includes even short trips to go to the toilet. Remove the plastic bag IMMEDIATELY on returning indoors as the limb will sweat if left in a waterproof dressing. This will cause rubbing and softening of the skin which leads to infection.
• Cats must be kept indoors at all times whilst wearing a bandage.

Check the dressing TWICE daily for:

• Swelling above or below the bandage
• Discharge or discoloration through the bandage
• Abnormal smell
• Sudden pain or distress causing licking /chewing or discomfort when touched
• Slipping or damage to the bandage
• Wet or damp bandage

PLEASE RING IMMEDIATELY FOR ADVICE IF ANY OF THE ABOVE OCCUR.

It may be necessary for your pet to wear a buster collar to prevent him/her from interfering with the dressing. These are available from the surgery.

Please note that bandages need to be changed regularly – it is very important that you attend follow up appointments at the specified time. IF FURTHER DRESSINGS ARE NECESSARY THERE IS A CHARGE FOR THE APPLICATION OF DRESSINGS. This will vary depending on the injury and the type of bandage/dressing required. Please ask for details.

Bandage complications

• If wet or soiled the skin will become moist, ventilation decreases and the bandage becomes unsterile causing damage to the skin, underlying tissues and the development of secondary infection.
• If the bandage slips (usually due to over-activity/chewing/licking) it no longer offers support to the limb. Occasionally it may loosen if previous swelling of the areas starts to decrease.
• If the bandage becomes too tight due to it becoming wet/soiled or if the underlying injury causes swelling then problems can occur with circulation to the leg. It is extremely important to attend follow up appointments and notify us if the dressing gets wet or uncomfortable.
• Pressure sores: tend to develop over bony areas (eg. elbow/hock/paw) especially if a dressing is required for a long period. These often start as irritated sore skin but can progress into ulcers if not treated.