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

• Severe soft tissue trauma with exposed tendon

• Compromised healing due to anaphylaxis and partial blindness

• Persistent swelling, dehiscence, and excessive wound drainage

• Marked weight loss and inability to rest/recumb (critical for healing)

• Foal interference with bandages/tape applications

• Chiropractic concern: atlas misalignment, pending adjustment

Therapeutic Goals

1. Reduce swelling and improve circulation at injury site to expedite healing and fluid dispersal.

2. Stabilize SI joint to restore comfort and enable recumbency.

3. Support poll region to decompress tissue, assist neurological recovery, and reduce swelling.

4. Provide practical, repeatable taping protocols that withstand real-world challenges (foal, turnout, environment).

Phase 1: Circulation and Swelling Management

Assessment & Application

• Technique: Fan strip/basket weave taping for lymphatic drainage and edema reduction.

• Preparation:

• Area cleaned and dried, prepped with rubbing alcohol and microfiber towel (critical for adhesion).

• Avoided direct application over open wound; monitored for drainage.

• Tape: Two 2” Equi-Tape® strips, each split into 3 tails, rounded edges.

• Application Steps:

• Primary anchor above swelling, no stretch, aligned with hair.

• Tails applied in basket weave pattern over swelling with mild stretch, avoiding wound.

• Secondary anchor applied with no stretch, allowing gentle recoil.

• Vigorously rubbed to activate adhesive.

• Considerations:

• Application continued until swelling resolved.

• Tails trimmed or tape removed as adhesion decreased.

• Safe for use under bandages or standing wraps, with poultice, or during cold hosing (ensure tape dries before rebandaging).

• Tape removed promptly if wound drainage contacted tape.

Outcomes

• First application: Stayed on nearly a week; significant reduction in hock swelling.

• Second application: Extended to lymph basin in flank; stayed on 4–5 days.

• 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.

• Challenges: Foal began pulling at tape; rubbing alcohol applied to deter.

Phase 2: SI Joint Support for Comfort & Rest

Assessment & Application

• Clinical problem: Cherry refused to lay down for rest, exhibited significant SI discomfort, and was compensating on the opposite hind limb.

• Objective: Provide SI joint stability to enable rest and support healing.

• Technique: SI joint “X” support taping with supplemental horizontal strips.

• Preparation:

• Area cleaned as above.

• Three 2” Equi-Tape® strips, rounded edges.

• Application Steps:

• SI support “X” pattern: Center tear, full stretch over SI, ends anchored with no stretch (one to tuber coxae, one to ischium).

• Second strip applied to complete X.

• Additional horizontal strips over and around SI for extra support.

• Attention to avoiding tape recoil and ensuring flat, secure anchors.

• Considerations:

• Daily monitoring, especially with foal present.

• Rubbing alcohol used on tape to discourage foal.

• Advised owner to watch for rolling (may loosen tape) and to adjust blanketing.

Outcomes

• Within 48 hours: Cherry lay down for the first time since injury.

• By day 4: Observed rolling and extended recumbency; improved gait and comfort in injured limb.

• By day 7: Consistent rest pattern established; tape eventually removed by foal, but clinical improvement sustained.

• Professional insight: SI taping was pivotal in restoring rest and comfort, accelerating overall recovery.

Phase 3: Poll Decompression and Neurological Support

Assessment & Application

• Clinical problem: Post-anaphylaxis, Cherry developed temporary blindness and persistent poll swelling; chiropractic evaluation revealed atlas misalignment.

• Objective: Decompress poll region, enhance circulation, and aid neurological recovery.

• Technique: Multi-piece poll decompression taping, individualized per application.

• Preparation:

• Poll area thoroughly cleaned—challenging due to mane, fly spray, and Cherry’s tendency to scratch.

• Application Steps:

• Three applications performed, each adapted to Cherry’s preference and clinical status.

• Decompression technique focused on creating space, reducing swelling, and supporting neurological recovery.

• Application required careful surface prep and minimal stretch due to high mobility of poll/neck area.

• Considerations:

• Tape longevity limited by Cherry’s habit of scratching.

• Chiropractor scheduled for atlas adjustment once Cherry stabilized.

Outcomes

• With each application:

• Continued decrease in poll swelling.

• Gradual improvement in eyesight noted.

• Overall positive response, despite tape sometimes being scratched off prematurely.

Practical Considerations & Lessons Learned

• Adhesion: Surface prep is critical, especially in high-movement or high-contact areas (poll, SI, legs).

• Foal Management: Young horses may interfere with applications; rubbing alcohol can deter, but monitoring is essential.

• Bandaging Integration: Circulation taping can be safely used with wraps and poultices, provided tape remains dry and clean.

• Owner/Handler Communication: Clear instructions on monitoring, reapplication, and when to remove tape are vital.

• Chiropractic Collaboration: Taping can provide interim support until manual therapies can be performed.

Clinical Outcomes & Professional Takeaways

• Multimodal taping applications provided critical support at every stage—from acute swelling management to restoring recumbency and neurological support.

• Practitioner adaptability (adjusting technique, placement, and protocols) was key to overcoming real-world challenges.

• Equi-Tape® proved durable, effective, and versatile even with environmental and behavioral obstacles (foal, turnout, scratching).

• 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

Links:

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