Proper Application
Self-adhesive wraps must be applied with the proper tension.
Care must be taken when applying these bandages. Pulling them too tight can restrict circulation, especially if the leg is inflamed and swells. Wrinkles in the material also result in uneven pressure that can cause focal damage to tendon sheaths and tendons.
• Start the wrap over the cannon bone, not over the suspensory or flexor tendons.
• If right handed, wrap with the starting edge in your left hand, roll in your right, and vice versa.
• Apply with sufficient tension to keep the material at approximately half of its full stretch for most cases, more only if using over heavy padding to stop bleeding.
• Check each layer for any wrinkles in the material, and smooth them out, before covering them up with the next layer.
• Overlap layers by about half the width of the wrap.
• At the ankle, be sure to use two to three layers as a "sling" underneath the sesamoid bones.
• When using for support wraps, take the wrap all the way up to under the knee, do not end along the body of the flexor tendons.
• Do not apply the bandage tightly enough to indent the tissues at the end of the wrap.
• When used with bandage material or cotton underneath, be sure not to wrinkle or bunch it during adhesive-wrap application.
• When used for support during exercise, use one or two tabs of tape at the end of the wrap for extra security.
If you're not certain that you can apply stretch wraps safely, you're better off going with a sports boot. Whether the problem area is ankle, tendons or suspensory, best support is provided by a boot with a good support "sling" for the ankle.
Stretchy polo wraps can be used for work but don't adhere to the leg well, often come down and are much heavier than self-adhesive wraps, especially if they get wet. When you know the going will be wet or muddy, you might consider substituting SealTex (contact your local tack store), a latex bandage that is waterproof. If you would like a reusable, washable option to disposable self-adhesive wraps, the closest would be the Saratoga Bandage (www.horseworks.com 800-848-1914). Lighter than polo wraps, the Saratoga has more stretch/give and silicon strips on the interior for good grip ($48 for a set of four).
Although they're a bit pricey for long-term daily use, self-adherent elastic bandages do many jobs well, and a supply should be on hand in every barn. These wraps are lighter than standard stall wraps, don't usually absorb much water, and generally conform well to the area you're wrapping.
Like with household duct tape, you'll find countless jobs in the barn for these wraps beyond their intended uses. You can apply a few layers of any adhesive wrap when you need grip or padding, such as on bucket handles, knobs, faucets and hoof picks. A few layers around the foot rest of stirrups may provide a bit of extra grip, if you want or need that feature.
We've seen these bandages wrapped around pitchforks, twitch handles, halter and bridle crownpieces and even just to add color to some equipment or easily identify an item (for example, the fork with the red wrap is only used with hay). However, the most common uses for these wraps involve placing the wraps directly on horses.
Breeding-Stock Tail Wraps
These wraps are great for reproductive exams, breeding and foaling. Flexus Plus is a particularly good choice since it's the least likely to be applied too tightly. Note: No tail wrap should be left on a mare for extended periods of time. The arterial supply to the tail is easily cut off, resulting in loss of the tail below the area of compression. Self-adhesive wraps shouldn't be used instead of standard tail wraps in most cases.
Compression and Stop Bleeding
We found the most compression can be obtained using Equisport or PowerFlex. Place the wrap over several layers of gauze when there is arterial bleeding. If you're using Co-Flex or Vetrap, roll your gauze then secure the roll in place for better pressure.
For non-arterial bleeding, CoFlex or Vetrap provide plenty of pressure. The Flexus wrap may be snug enough for slow oozing, but we didn't find it heavy enough for arterial bleeding.
Bandaging Wounds
PowerFlex is our least favorite for bandaging wounds, since we found it could fairly easily be applied too tightly and only stretches in one direction. We suggest using Co-Flex or Vetrap for difficult-to-wrap areas with lots of curves or boney points (e.g. ankle, knee, hock) and for the most flexibility in the amount of pressure applied to the wound. If a large amount of swelling is expected (e.g. tendon pulls/strains), we think Flexus Plus would be good for the first day or two, since it appears to apply the least pressure.
