Bandage care

Bandages are routinely applied for multiple reasons, often to protect, treat or support an injured area of the body. 

If you notice any of the following signs please contact us immediately:

· Swelling above or below the bandage 

· The bandage is hot to touch

· Your pet is chewing at the bandage 

· The bandage is wet

· ANY bleeding or discharge above, below or through the bandage 

· If the bandage is smelly

You must keep the bandage clean and dry AT ALL TIMES. It is important that when your pet is outside that foot bandages are covered with a plastic bag of some sort, even if the ground is dry to prevent contamination from urine or faeces. The bag must be removed once back inside. 

If your pet is likely to chew the bandage please use a buster collar. Chewing or licking at the bandage can also indicate discomfort so please contact the surgery to have a vet or nurse check it.  If your pet interferes with the bandage risk of infection is increased and therefore recovery prolonged. 

Complications with bandages can become very serious so please keep the appointments made for the bandage to be changed or checked, these appointments are timed appropriately to limit any issues. 

DRAINS

This is a length of porous rubber tubing which allows fluid to escape from areas likely to swell after surgery. If your pet has had one stitched in place, please, as best you can keep these clean with saline bathing. Drains will normally be removed two-four days after they are inserted.