6 Best Wound Care Bandages for Horses with Scratches That Vets Trust

Why it matters: Horse scratches and minor wounds need proper bandaging to prevent infection and promote faster healing – but choosing the wrong product can actually slow recovery or cause additional problems.

The big picture: From self-adhesive wraps to antimicrobial dressings, today’s veterinary bandage market offers specialized solutions designed specifically for equine wound care that outperform basic first-aid supplies.

What’s next: We’ve evaluated the top bandage options based on durability, breathability, and healing effectiveness to help you stock your barn’s first-aid kit with products that actually work.

09/26/2025 01:19 pm GMT

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Understanding Horse Scratches and Wound Care Needs

Effective wound care starts with recognizing what you’re dealing with and choosing the right approach for your horse’s specific situation.

What Are Scratches in Horses

Scratches are bacterial or fungal skin infections that develop in your horse’s lower legs, particularly around the pastern and heel areas. The condition creates scabby, crusty lesions that can crack and bleed when left untreated.

This inflammatory skin condition thrives in wet, muddy conditions where bacteria penetrate small wounds or irritated skin. You’ll typically see it affect the back of the pastern first before spreading to surrounding areas.

Common Causes of Scratches

Wet, muddy turnout conditions create the perfect environment for scratches to develop, especially during spring and fall seasons. Standing water in paddocks and prolonged exposure to moisture weaken your horse’s skin barrier.

Poor grooming habits and dirty stall conditions contribute significantly to scratch development. Horses with white markings or feathered legs face higher risk due to increased skin sensitivity and hair that traps moisture.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Early scratches appear as small scabs or crusty areas around the heel bulbs and back of the pastern. You might notice your horse lifting the affected leg more frequently or showing mild lameness.

Advanced cases develop thick, oozing scabs with a strong odor and significant swelling around the affected area. The skin becomes painful to touch, and you’ll see clear signs of infection requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Essential Features to Look for in Horse Wound Care Bandages

Selecting the right bandage for your horse’s scratches requires understanding which features directly impact healing outcomes and practical application.

Breathability and Moisture Control

Proper airflow prevents bacterial growth while maintaining optimal moisture levels for healing. Look for bandages with microporous materials that allow air circulation without letting dirt penetrate. Moisture-wicking properties help prevent the soggy conditions that worsen scratches, especially during wet seasons when pasterns stay damp longer.

Self-Adhesive Properties

Quality adhesive bandages eliminate the need for additional tape and stay secure during turnout activities. Choose products with controlled adhesion that stick firmly to themselves without pulling hair when removed. Self-sticking wraps conform better to irregular leg contours around the pastern area where scratches commonly develop.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Outdoor conditions test every bandage’s limits through mud, rain, and constant movement. Select bandages that maintain their integrity for 24-48 hours minimum, even with active horses. Water-resistant materials prevent the bandage from falling apart during wet weather, though complete waterproofing can trap moisture and worsen infections.

Non-Stick Surface Protection

Direct contact between bandages and open wounds creates painful removal experiences for both horse and handler. Non-adherent surfaces protect newly forming tissue while allowing drainage of infected material. Look for bandages with silicone-treated or perforated inner layers that won’t stick to scabs or healing skin.

Vetrap Bandaging Wrap: The Veterinarian’s Choice

Vetrap stands as the gold standard in equine wound care, earning its reputation through decades of reliable performance in veterinary clinics worldwide. This self-adhesive bandaging wrap delivers professional-grade protection that adapts perfectly to your horse’s movement patterns.

Key Benefits for Scratch Treatment

Vetrap’s conforming stretch provides optimal compression without restricting circulation around affected pastern areas. The wrap’s porous construction allows air circulation while maintaining moisture balance essential for scratch healing.

Its self-adhesive properties eliminate the need for clips or tape that can catch on stall bedding. You’ll appreciate how it stays secure through turnout sessions and daily grooming routines.

Application Tips and Techniques

Start with clean, dry skin and apply gentle, even tension as you wrap upward from the hoof. Overlap each layer by half the wrap’s width to ensure complete coverage without gaps.

Avoid pulling too tight during application—the wrap should feel snug but allow normal flexion. Always finish with the seam on the back of the leg where it won’t catch on obstacles.

Cost-Effectiveness and Availability

Vetrap costs approximately $8-12 per roll at most farm supply stores and online retailers. Each 4-inch roll typically provides 2-3 applications for standard scratch treatment areas.

Its durability means fewer bandage changes compared to cheaper alternatives that loosen or fail in wet conditions. You’ll find consistent availability at TSC, feed stores, and veterinary supply distributors year-round.

3M Coban Self-Adherent Wrap: Professional Grade Protection

3M Coban delivers medical-grade performance that veterinarians trust for complex wound management. This self-adherent wrap offers enhanced durability and comfort compared to basic farm bandages.

Superior Adhesion Without Sticky Residue

Coban’s unique adhesive technology bonds to itself without leaving residue on your horse’s skin or hair. This prevents painful removal experiences that can damage healing tissue and stress your horse during bandage changes. The wrap maintains secure adhesion even when exposed to moisture from rain or washing.

Flexibility and Comfort for Active Horses

This wrap moves naturally with your horse’s leg movement while maintaining consistent compression levels. The flexible material prevents the binding and restriction that causes horses to paw or chew at their bandages. Coban stretches up to twice its length without losing its supportive properties.

Sizing Options and Color Varieties

3M offers Coban in widths from 1 to 6 inches to match different wound sizes and leg areas. Popular colors include tan, white, and bright options that help you monitor bandage condition from a distance. The 3-inch width works best for pastern scratches while 4-inch provides better coverage for larger affected areas.

Elastikon Elastic Tape: Maximum Hold and Support

Elastikon stands out as the heavyweight champion of veterinary bandaging with its unmatched adhesive strength and elastic properties. You’ll find this professional-grade tape particularly valuable for challenging wound care situations where standard wraps simply won’t stay put.

Strong Adhesive Properties

Elastikon’s zinc oxide-based adhesive creates an incredibly secure bond that withstands moisture, movement, and even the most determined horse’s attempts to remove it. The tape maintains its grip for 3-5 days in wet conditions while providing consistent compression throughout the healing process. You’ll appreciate how it stays exactly where you place it, eliminating the frustration of slipping bandages that compromise wound protection.

Ideal Conditions for Use

This heavy-duty tape excels in challenging environments where other bandages fail – muddy paddocks, rainy weather, or with horses that tend to interfere with their bandages. You’ll want to reach for Elastikon when treating stubborn scratches on active horses or when standard wraps keep loosening due to swelling or movement. It’s particularly effective for securing primary dressings over infected areas that need extended protection.

Proper Removal Techniques

Remove Elastikon slowly and steadily while supporting the skin underneath to prevent discomfort or hair removal. Apply mineral oil or adhesive remover along the edges 10-15 minutes before removal to soften the adhesive bond safely. You’ll find that patient, gradual peeling prevents skin irritation while ensuring you don’t disrupt newly formed tissue underneath the bandage.

EquiAid Cohesive Bandage: Gentle Yet Effective

EquiAid Cohesive Bandage stands out for horses with sensitive skin or allergic reactions to traditional bandage materials. This self-adhering wrap provides reliable wound protection without the harsh adhesives that can irritate delicate skin around scratch sites.

Hypoallergenic Materials

EquiAid uses latex-free construction with medical-grade materials that minimize allergic reactions in sensitive horses. The bandage contains no zinc oxide or harsh chemicals that commonly trigger skin irritation around healing scratches. You’ll notice reduced redness and inflammation compared to traditional adhesive tapes, making it ideal for horses with known skin sensitivities or previous bandage reactions.

Easy Application Process

Application requires no clips, pins, or adhesive tape since the bandage sticks only to itself. You can wrap directly over clean wounds or gauze pads with consistent tension throughout the application process. The material conforms naturally to leg contours and stays secure during normal horse movement, eliminating the need for complex wrapping techniques or additional securing materials.

Best Practices for Sensitive Skin

Start with a thin layer of non-adherent gauze over open scratches before applying the cohesive bandage. Apply gentle, even pressure without over-tightening, as sensitive skin requires more delicate handling than standard wound care situations. Change bandages every 2-3 days to prevent moisture buildup, and monitor skin condition closely during the first 24 hours after initial application.

Andover Coflex: Lightweight Compression Solution

Andover Coflex stands out as a premium lightweight option that delivers professional-grade wound protection without the bulk of heavier bandaging systems.

Latex-Free Composition Benefits

You’ll find Andover Coflex particularly valuable if you’re dealing with horses that show skin sensitivities to traditional bandages. This latex-free composition eliminates common allergic reactions that can worsen scratches and delay healing.

The medical-grade materials provide gentle contact with inflamed skin while maintaining the strength needed for secure wound coverage. You won’t see the redness or irritation that often appears with latex-containing alternatives.

Optimal Compression Levels

Coflex delivers consistent compression that adapts to your horse’s movement without becoming restrictive. The wrap provides 15-20mmHg of pressure, which promotes circulation while preventing fluid buildup around scratch sites.

You can apply multiple layers for increased compression on stubborn cases without creating uncomfortable tightness. The material’s stretch recovery maintains even pressure distribution throughout the healing period, preventing hot spots or circulation issues.

Long-Term Wear Considerations

This bandage maintains its integrity for 5-7 days in typical conditions, making it ideal for horses that resist frequent bandage changes. You’ll notice the wrap stays flexible and breathable even after extended wear periods.

The lightweight design reduces the risk of slipping or bunching that occurs with heavier wraps. However, you should monitor the wrap daily for moisture buildup, as the extended wear capability can mask early signs of complications.

Thunder Group Power-Flex: Heavy-Duty Performance

Thunder Group Power-Flex stands out as a reliable bandaging solution for horse owners dealing with persistent scratch cases. You’ll find this wrap particularly effective when standard bandages fail to hold up under tough barn conditions.

Exceptional Durability Features

Power-Flex’s reinforced weave construction resists tearing even when horses rub against fence posts or roll in paddocks. The bandage maintains its structural integrity for 7-10 days without fraying or losing compression strength. You’ll appreciate how it withstands aggressive scratching behaviors that typically destroy lighter wraps within hours.

Water-Resistant Properties

This bandage’s synthetic blend repels moisture while allowing proper airflow to prevent bacterial overgrowth beneath the wrap. You can confidently leave horses in wet pastures without worrying about bandage failure or skin maceration. The water-resistant coating doesn’t compromise breathability, maintaining optimal healing conditions even during rainy weather.

Cost Analysis and Value

Power-Flex typically costs $15-18 per roll, making it more expensive than basic alternatives but delivering superior longevity. You’ll actually save money over time since each roll lasts longer and requires fewer changes than cheaper options. The reduced labor time and stress on both you and your horse justifies the higher upfront investment.

Proper Application Techniques for Maximum Effectiveness

Proper bandage application makes the difference between healing and prolonged infection in horse scratches. Your technique matters more than the bandage brand you choose.

Step-by-Step Bandaging Process

Clean the wound thoroughly with saline solution and pat dry before applying any bandage. Start wrapping below the affected area with 50% overlap on each turn, maintaining consistent tension throughout.

Apply primary dressing first, then secure with your chosen wrap using firm but not tight pressure. You should be able to slip one finger under the bandage comfortably.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Never wrap too tightly – this restricts circulation and worsens healing. Avoid starting the wrap directly over the wound without a protective layer underneath.

Don’t extend bandages above the knee or hock joints where they’ll bunch and slip. Skip wrapping during extremely wet weather unless you’re using waterproof options like Power-Flex.

When to Change Bandages

Check bandages daily for moisture, odor, or slipping that indicates immediate replacement needs. Most quality wraps need changing every 3-5 days under normal conditions.

Change immediately if you notice increased heat, swelling, or discharge around the wound site. Sensitive horses using products like EquiAid may require more frequent monitoring and changes.

Conclusion

Investing in quality wound care bandages for your horse’s scratches makes all the difference in healing outcomes. The six products we’ve covered each offer unique advantages that can transform your approach to equine wound management.

Remember that proper application technique matters just as much as choosing the right bandage. Clean preparation consistent tension and regular monitoring will maximize the effectiveness of whichever product you select.

Whether you’re dealing with recurring scratch issues or building your barn’s first-aid kit these specialized equine bandages provide the durability and healing support your horses deserve. Your commitment to quality wound care today prevents more serious complications tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are horse scratches and where do they typically occur?

Horse scratches are bacterial or fungal skin infections that primarily affect the lower legs, especially around the pastern and heel areas. They develop due to wet, muddy conditions and poor grooming practices. Early signs include small scabs, while advanced cases show severe inflammation requiring immediate veterinary attention.

What key features should I look for in horse wound care bandages?

Essential features include breathability for moisture control, self-adhesive properties for secure application, durability to withstand weather conditions, and non-stick surfaces to prevent painful removal. These characteristics ensure optimal healing conditions while preventing bacterial growth and maintaining comfort during treatment.

Why is Vetrap considered the gold standard for equine wound care?

Vetrap offers reliable conforming stretch that provides optimal compression without restricting circulation. Its porous construction allows air circulation while maintaining proper moisture balance. It’s cost-effective at $8-12 per roll and reduces the frequency of bandage changes compared to cheaper alternatives.

How is 3M Coban different from other bandaging options?

Coban provides superior adhesion without leaving sticky residue on the horse’s skin, preventing painful removal. Its flexible material allows natural movement while maintaining consistent compression, making it ideal for active horses. It’s available in various widths and colors for customization.

When should I use Elastikon Elastic Tape for horse scratches?

Elastikon is best for maximum hold in challenging situations. Its zinc oxide-based adhesive provides secure bonding that withstands moisture and movement for 3-5 days. It’s particularly effective for securing primary dressings over infected areas and works well in difficult environments.

What makes EquiAid suitable for horses with sensitive skin?

EquiAid is made from latex-free, medical-grade materials that minimize allergic reactions and skin irritation. This self-adhering wrap provides reliable wound protection without harsh adhesives, making it ideal for horses with skin sensitivities or allergies to traditional bandage materials.

How long can Andover Coflex bandages stay on horses?

Andover Coflex maintains its integrity for 5-7 days, making it suitable for horses that resist frequent bandage changes. Its lightweight design reduces slipping while providing optimal compression. However, daily monitoring for moisture buildup is essential to catch early signs of complications.

What are the benefits of Thunder Group Power-Flex for persistent cases?

Power-Flex features exceptional durability with reinforced weave construction that lasts 7-10 days. Its water-resistant properties repel moisture while allowing proper airflow. Although it costs $15-18 per roll, its longevity reduces the need for frequent changes, saving time and stress.

How often should I change horse wound bandages?

Check bandages daily for moisture or signs of infection. Under normal conditions, change bandages every 3-5 days. However, change immediately if you notice excessive moisture, odor, increased heat, or if the bandage becomes loose or damaged.

What’s the proper technique for applying horse wound bandages?

Start with clean, dry skin and apply a primary dressing over the wound. Wrap with consistent, gentle tension from bottom to top, overlapping each layer by half. Avoid wrapping too tightly or starting directly over the wound to prevent circulation issues and proper healing.