Tri-Tronics^®, Inc.

P. O. Box 17660

Tucson, AZ  85731

support@tthorse.com

1-800-808-8423

ARTICLES & EDUCATION

Chewing Bandages or Leg Wraps

Horses may have to wear bandages or leg wraps for a variety of health related reasons. The bandage or wrap may be necessary to:

• Protect a wound
• Protect sutures
• Support an injury
• Keep medication on a wound or injury
• Keep liniment on a strain
• Keep heat or cold therapy applied to an injury
• To prevent an injury

When a horse removes his bandages by chewing or ripping them off, he can be jeopardizing his health in a number of ways depending on the purpose of the bandage or leg wrap. Some horses, once they figure out how to remove their bandages seem to enjoy the challenge and will not stop until they have completed their handiwork no matter how creatively or securely the bandage is applied.

Currently the only ways to stop these horses are:

1. Keep the horse tied with his head up. (which is obviously not a long-term solution)
2. Apply foul tasting or foul smelling substances to the outside of the bandage (which are usually ineffective with a determined animal)
3. Apply a neck cradle, which is a device that will poke the horse in the neck if he tries to turn his head sideways or back.

All of these methods, if they even work have major drawbacks. The ViceBreaker^® will quickly train a horse that the bandages are there for a reason and are off limits to his lips and teeth. In some cases there may be an underlying medical condition such as infection or a tight bandage that is cutting off circulation that will cause the horse to chew his bandages. Because of this it is very important that you consult a veterinarian before using the collar to rule out any medical problems.