Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Skill
Procedures that you should be able to competently and safely perform on a horse.
LEARN HOW TO
Apply a Hock Bandage
Summary
You may need to apply a hock bandage to treat a swelling or wound. Applying a hock covering bandage properly is tricky. This area has extreme mobility, and many horses do not like to have it restricted. As with any bandage, there is the potential to hurt your horse with improper placement or bandaging technique, so consult with your vet if you have questions.
PROCEDURE
PROCEDURE
Some horses may need to be restrained by a handler as you apply this bandage. There are a variety of ways to do this. Here is a simple way. First, roll the leg cotton onto the skin, trying to keep folds and wrinkles to a minimum. Using brown gauze, wrap firmly in a figure eight pattern as you bandage around the point of the hock. Apply one layer of loose brown gauze over the point of the hock to keep the padding from blowing out. Now wrap vetrap in the same pattern over the brown gauze. Seal the top and bottom of the bandage by laying Elasticon type tape onto the skin and bandage. TIPS FOR SAFETY AND SUCCESS
The horse should be bearing weight on the limb. If not, it is very difficult to properly bandage a hock.Leave the cotton uncovered at the point of the hock, or leave any gauze or other tape very loose so that it doesn't impede or constrict the point of the hock.
Seal the top of the bandage by securing the bandage with Elastikon to the skin, laying the elastikon on the skin gently not tightly.
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