Why has my veterinarian applied a bandage or splint to my cat?
Bandages and splints protect the underlying tissues from self-trauma (such as licking), which will delay healing and may promote infection.
Bandages are mainly used to protect a wound, incision, or injury while it is healing. A bandage protects the wound surface from contamination with dirt or debris from the environment. It may be used to cover a layer of topical medication that was applied to the wound, preventing the medication from being rubbed or licked off. In some cases, a bandage is used to hold an injured part against another part of the body, such as bandaging an injured ear to the head or bandaging an injured or broken toe to the other toes on the foot.
Splints serve the same protective functions as bandages and have the additional benefit of preventing movement of the injured part. If a splint is used to support a fractured bone, it will be applied so that it immobilizes both the joint above and the joint below the fracture.
What parts of the body can be protected by bandages or splints?
Bandages can be readily applied to the head, neck, chest, tail, or lower legs of a cat. Splints are usually applied below the knee on the back leg or below the midpoint of the humerus (the bone that connects the shoulder to the elbow) on the front leg. The anatomy of the upper part of the front and back legs makes it very difficult to apply a bandage or splint that will stay in place without slipping or causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. If it is necessary to protect or stabilize these areas, your veterinarian will apply some type of immobilizing sling.
Why are there so many layers to the bandage?
As a rule, cats do not like anything that is stuck to their hair or skin and will usually try to take it off; therefore, bandages used for cats will always be made up of several layers of bandage material and, whenever possible, they will wrap entirely around the body part that is being protected.
"As a rule, cats do not like anything that is stuck to their hair or skin and will usually try to take it off..."
The first layer of bandage material will be a dressing layer. If the purpose of the bandage is to protect a surgical incision or a non-infected wound, the dressing layer will be made of a sterile material that will not stick to the wound. If the wound is infected, this layer will be made of a sterile material that will stick to the wound and help draw out the infection or it will contain medication or another agent that will assist in controlling the infection.
The purpose of the next layer of bandaging material is to keep the dressing in place and to provide some padding to the area to be protected. It will either be rolled gauze, cotton, or synthetic cast padding. The thickness of this layer will vary according to the type of injury.
The third layer is usually made of a strong and stretchy material that sticks to itself without adhesive. The purpose of this tougher layer of material is to provide further protection to the underlying layers and to help prevent moisture from wicking through to the wound.
The final layer of bandage material will often be surgical tape, a strong adhesive material that tapes down the ends of the bandage and adheres to the fur so that it is difficult for the cat to remove the bandage.
How does a splint differ from a bandage?
A splint incorporates some sort of hard or rigid material within the bandage so that the area beneath the splint is immobilized. Splints may be metal, plastic, or wood, and they may be straight or curved to the shape of the limb. After protecting the surface of the injured area with a dressing and some padding, your veterinarian will securely place the splint over the area to be protected and will apply more layers of bandage material. The thickness of the padding layer, and thus the size of the splint, will depend on the location and type of injury.
"The thickness of the padding layer, and thus the size of the splint, will depend on the location and type of injury."
How often does the bandage or splint need to be changed?
If the wound beneath the bandage is infected, the bandage will need to be changed one to two times per day until the infection is under control. Since the purpose of a splint is to help immobilize an injured body part, it is usually changed less frequently. In kittens that are growing rapidly, the splint may need to be changed weekly to accommodate their rapid growth. In adult cats, a splint may be left in place for several weeks if there are no complications.
Your veterinarian will tell you how often the bandage or splint on your cat will need to be changed, depending on the specifics of the case.
How do I care for the bandage or splint?
Check the bandage at least twice daily to ensure that it is clean and dry and that it is neither too tight nor too loose. If the toes are exposed below the bandage, check that they are free of discharges or foul smells, that they are neither hot nor cold, and that they have not become swollen or red. Any of these signs could indicate that the bandage is too tight or that the infection is spreading. For the same reasons, also check the area above the bandage to make sure that it is not swollen, red, chafed, or otherwise irritated.
Finally, make sure that the bandage has not slipped up or down. Do not allow your cat to lick or chew at the bandage. If your cat continues to bother the bandage, it may be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar or cone) to prevent access to it (see handout “Elizabethan Collars in Cats” for more information).
"Do not take the splint or bandage off unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian."
Do not take the splint or bandage off unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian. If your cat takes the bandage off on her own, you should contact your veterinary clinic immediately and make arrangements to bring your cat in for a recheck appointment. If your cat left the bandage alone when it was first applied and then suddenly begins to chew at it, it may be an indication that a problem is developing. If this happens, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
How can I accommodate my cat while wearing a bandage or splint?
It may be necessary to modify your cat's litter box so that she can still get in and out with ease, especially if she has a splint on. Your cat may need to have a box that has lower sides or a box that is wider to accommodate the increased bulk of the splint. To prevent the bandage or splint from becoming soiled with feces or urine, you may need to clean the litter box several times per day. Finally, you may need to change the type of litter, especially if you are using a clumping litter that could get stuck between your cat's toes or could cling to a damp bandage.
"Without exception, your cat must be kept confined indoors as long as the bandage or splint is in place."
Without exception, your cat must be kept confined indoors as long as the bandage or splint is in place. Your veterinarian may recommend confining your cat to a crate or cage to restrict her activity.
When should I take my cat back to the veterinarian?
Your veterinarian will tell you how often to schedule routine bandage or splint changes. You should contact the clinic or schedule a recheck appointment or a bandage change as soon as possible if:
• your cat is chewing on the splint or bandage
• the bandage becomes wet or soiled
• the bandage smells foul or becomes soiled with blood or other discharges
• the bandage slips or appears to be too loose or too tight
• you notice swelling or change in color above or below the bandage
