Equine Taping Case Study: Complex Trauma Recovery in a Broodmare – EquiTecs

Clinical Case Study: Integrative Taping for Complex Trauma in a Broodmare

Patient

Case Overview

Clinical Challenges

• Severe soft tissue trauma with exposed extensor tendon
• Compromised recovery following anaphylaxis and residual partial blindness
• Persistent swelling, intermittent wound dehiscence, and excessive drainage
• Marked weight loss and inability to rest in recumbency (a limiting factor for recovery)
• Foal interference with bandages and tape applications
• Concurrent concern for upper cervical dysfunction (atlas region), pending manual therapy/adjustment

Therapeutic Goals

1. Reduce swelling and support fluid movement at the injury site to improve local tissue conditions for healing.
2. Improve comfort and functional stability through the sacroiliac (SI) region to support recumbency and reduce compensatory loading.
3. Support the poll/upper cervical region with decompressive applications to address soft tissue swelling and potential neurologic contribution.
4. Use repeatable, field-practical taping strategies compatible with turnout, bandaging, and foal-at-side management.

Phase 1: Swelling Management and Circulatory Support (Distal Limb)

Assessment & Application

• Hair and skin cleaned and dried
• Degreased with rubbing alcohol and wiped with a microfiber towel to optimize adhesion
• Wound margins monitored closely for drainage migration toward tape

• 2-way stretch tape, two 2-inch strips, each split into three tails; corners rounded

• Primary anchor placed proximal to swelling with no stretch
• Tails laid over the swollen region with light tension and aligned with hair direction
• Secondary anchoring performed with no stretch, allowing recoil to occur before anchoring
• Tape rubbed firmly to activate adhesive

Practical considerations

• Application longevity depended on drainage control and environmental exposure
• Tape removed promptly if wound drainage contacted the adhesive surface
• Compatible with wraps/poultice/cold hosing provided tape was kept clean and dry before re-bandaging

Outcomes

• Initial application remained in place for nearly one week with a notable reduction in hock swelling
• Second application extended proximally toward the flank/lymph basin region and remained in place ~4–5 days
• Edema improved; wound dehiscence occurred but healing continued by secondary intention (“inside out”) per case notes
• Foal interference increased over time; rubbing alcohol was used as a deterrent on the tape surface (management strategy noted by practitioner)

Phase 2: SI Region Support to Improve Comfort and Recumbency

Assessment & Application

• Area cleaned and degreased as above

• 2-way stretch tape, three 2-inch strips; corners rounded

• “X” pattern created using center-tear technique
• Tension applied through the central portion; ends anchored with no stretch to reduce edge lift and skin/hair shear
• Supplemental horizontal strips applied over/around SI region for additional support
• Application emphasized flat anchors and avoidance of unwanted recoil at the ends

Outcomes

• Within 48 hours: Cherry lay down for the first time since injury (as reported)
• By day 4: rolling and extended recumbency observed; improved comfort and gait quality noted
• By day 7: rest pattern remained improved; tape was eventually removed by foal interference, but functional improvement persisted per case notes
• Practitioner interpretation: SI support appeared to be a key factor in restoring rest behavior during recovery

Phase 3: Poll Decompression and Neurologic Support

Assessment & Application

• High contamination risk from mane oils, fly spray, and environmental debris
• Patient scratching behavior reduced application longevity

• Three separate applications performed
• Minimal stretch used due to high mobility region and to reduce edge lift/shear
• Placement adjusted to patient tolerance and to avoid rapid failure from movement/scratching

Outcomes

• Progressive decrease in poll swelling reported across applications
• Gradual improvement in eyesight noted in parallel with overall stabilization
• Tape was sometimes removed prematurely due to scratching; despite this, positive trend was reported

Practical Considerations & Lessons Learned

• Surface preparation was consistently the limiting factor for adhesion and longevity, particularly in high-movement regions (poll, SI) and in humid/contaminated environments.
• Foal-at-side management materially affected protocol durability; monitoring and realistic expectations were required.
• Integration with bandaging was feasible when drainage was controlled and tape remained dry/clean.
• Clear owner instructions for monitoring, removal criteria (especially drainage contact), and reapplication timing were essential.
• Interprofessional coordination (veterinary care + manual therapy) was part of the overall plan; taping served as interim external support between interventions.

Clinical Outcomes & Professional Takeaways

• improved edema management in the distal limb region,
• improved comfort and recumbency behavior following SI region support, and
• reduction in poll swelling with concurrent improvement in neurologic signs as documented.

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