
Integrative Taping for Complex Trauma in a Broodmare - Swelling, Neurologic trauma, Instability
Clinical Case Study: Integrative Taping for Complex Trauma in a Broodmare
Patient:
Cherry, 19-year-old AQHA broodmare with 2-month-old foal at side
Case Overview
Cherry presented with a catastrophic right hind limb injury—an open laceration exposing and stretching the extensor tendon by approximately 2 inches. Following emergency veterinary care (wound closure, supportive therapy), she suffered a severe anaphylactic reaction to IV bute, resulting in near-euthanasia and residual partial blindness. Compounding her recovery: significant weight loss, inability to lay down for rest, and the demands of nursing a foal.
This case required a multi-phase, integrative approach using Equi-Tape® to address circulation, swelling, pain, SI joint instability, and poll/neurological issues.
Clinical Challenges
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Severe soft tissue trauma with exposed tendon
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Compromised healing due to anaphylaxis and partial blindness
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Persistent swelling, dehiscence, and excessive wound drainage
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Marked weight loss and inability to rest/recumb (critical for healing)
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Foal interference with bandages/tape applications
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Chiropractic concern: atlas misalignment, pending adjustment
Therapeutic Goals
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Reduce swelling and improve circulation at injury site to expedite healing and fluid dispersal.
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Stabilize SI joint to restore comfort and enable recumbency.
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Support poll region to decompress tissue, assist neurological recovery, and reduce swelling.
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Provide practical, repeatable taping protocols that withstand real-world challenges (foal, turnout, environment).
Phase 1: Circulation and Swelling Management
Assessment & Application
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Technique: Fan strip/basket weave taping for lymphatic drainage and edema reduction.
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Preparation:
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Area cleaned and dried, prepped with rubbing alcohol and microfiber towel (critical for adhesion).
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Avoided direct application over open wound; monitored for drainage.
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Tape: Two 2” Equi-Tape® strips, each split into 3 tails, rounded edges.
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Application Steps:
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Primary anchor above swelling, no stretch, aligned with hair.
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Tails applied in basket weave pattern over swelling with mild stretch, avoiding wound.
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Secondary anchor applied with no stretch, allowing gentle recoil.
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Vigorously rubbed to activate adhesive.
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Considerations:
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Application continued until swelling resolved.
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Tails trimmed or tape removed as adhesion decreased.
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Safe for use under bandages or standing wraps, with poultice, or during cold hosing (ensure tape dries before rebandaging).
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Tape removed promptly if wound drainage contacted tape.
Outcomes
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First application: Stayed on nearly a week; significant reduction in hock swelling.
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Second application: Extended to lymph basin in flank; stayed on 4–5 days.
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Result: Marked improvement in edema; wound dehisced but continued healing from inside out. Ongoing swelling and scar tissue managed with continued circulation applications as needed.
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Challenges: Foal began pulling at tape; rubbing alcohol applied to deter.
Phase 2: SI Joint Support for Comfort & Rest
Assessment & Application
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Clinical problem: Cherry refused to lay down for rest, exhibited significant SI discomfort, and was compensating on the opposite hind limb.
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Objective: Provide SI joint stability to enable rest and support healing.
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Technique: SI joint “X” support taping with supplemental horizontal strips.
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Preparation:
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Area cleaned as above.
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Three 2” Equi-Tape® strips, rounded edges.
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Application Steps:
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SI support “X” pattern: Center tear, full stretch over SI, ends anchored with no stretch (one to tuber coxae, one to ischium).
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Second strip applied to complete X.
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Additional horizontal strips over and around SI for extra support.
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Attention to avoiding tape recoil and ensuring flat, secure anchors.
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Considerations:
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Daily monitoring, especially with foal present.
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Rubbing alcohol used on tape to discourage foal.
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Advised owner to watch for rolling (may loosen tape) and to adjust blanketing.
Outcomes
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Within 48 hours: Cherry lay down for the first time since injury.
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By day 4: Observed rolling and extended recumbency; improved gait and comfort in injured limb.
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By day 7: Consistent rest pattern established; tape eventually removed by foal, but clinical improvement sustained.
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Professional insight: SI taping was pivotal in restoring rest and comfort, accelerating overall recovery.
Phase 3: Poll Decompression and Neurological Support
Assessment & Application
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Clinical problem: Post-anaphylaxis, Cherry developed temporary blindness and persistent poll swelling; chiropractic evaluation revealed atlas misalignment.
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Objective: Decompress poll region, enhance circulation, and aid neurological recovery.
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Technique: Multi-piece poll decompression taping, individualized per application.
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Preparation:
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Poll area thoroughly cleaned—challenging due to mane, fly spray, and Cherry’s tendency to scratch.
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Application Steps:
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Three applications performed, each adapted to Cherry’s preference and clinical status.
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Decompression technique focused on creating space, reducing swelling, and supporting neurological recovery.
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Application required careful surface prep and minimal stretch due to high mobility of poll/neck area.
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Considerations:
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Tape longevity limited by Cherry’s habit of scratching.
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Chiropractor scheduled for atlas adjustment once Cherry stabilized.
Outcomes
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With each application:
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Continued decrease in poll swelling.
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Gradual improvement in eyesight noted.
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Overall positive response, despite tape sometimes being scratched off prematurely.
Practical Considerations & Lessons Learned
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Adhesion: Surface prep is critical, especially in high-movement or high-contact areas (poll, SI, legs).
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Foal Management: Young horses may interfere with applications; rubbing alcohol can deter, but monitoring is essential.
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Bandaging Integration: Circulation taping can be safely used with wraps and poultices, provided tape remains dry and clean.
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Owner/Handler Communication: Clear instructions on monitoring, reapplication, and when to remove tape are vital.
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Chiropractic Collaboration: Taping can provide interim support until manual therapies can be performed.
Clinical Outcomes & Professional Takeaways
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Multimodal taping applications provided critical support at every stage—from acute swelling management to restoring recumbency and neurological support.
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Practitioner adaptability (adjusting technique, placement, and protocols) was key to overcoming real-world challenges.
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Equi-Tape® proved durable, effective, and versatile even with environmental and behavioral obstacles (foal, turnout, scratching).
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Adding advanced taping to your practice offers meaningful, visible results in complex trauma cases—enhancing your clinical toolkit and client outcomes.
For full application protocols, step-by-step guides, and clinical photos, contact us or request the complete practitioner packet.
Ready to deliver these results in your own practice? Explore our [Equi-Tape® Practitioner Bundle]—everything you need to implement these protocols with confidence.
Case study submitted by Certified Equi-Taping® Practitioner Kody Daily
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