Home Care of Splints, Casts and Bandages

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                      General Information



Splints, casts and bandages are designed to protect and/or

immobilize injured body parts.  A splint or cast actually bears

the animal's weight.  These devices also prevent self-mutilation

due to licking or chewing.



Your pet cannot understand the function of a splint, cast or

bandage, and therefore may want only to get the device off in

any manner possible.  It may shake, bite, pull and push on the

splint in an effort to remove it.  Fortunately, most pets accept

such appliances eventually.



    Important Points on Care of Splints, Casts and Bandages



1.  Keep the device dry.  If your pet goes outside in wet

    weather, place a plastic bag over the cast or splint to keep

    it dry.  Do not allow the bag to remain on for long periods.

    As a rule of thumb, remove the bag after 1 hour or less.



2.  Inform the doctor of any loosening or loss of the splint,

    cast or bandage.



3.  Discourage the pet from licking and chewing the device.

    Consult the doctor if the animal persists in these

    activities.



4.  Consult the doctor if you see signs of pain or increased

    swelling.



    Your pet's splint, cast or bandage will be removed or changed

    in ____ days/weeks.