My colt keeps tearing his bandages off

[zinn21]

We have tried pepper and several anti touch products on the market-nothing has worked thus far..

Any secret weapons out there? I can't believe this colts determination. Hope he has the same determination on race day..

[Cathyleabo]

How about one of those big plastic cones they put on a dogs head?
I mix the cayenne pepper with a little vegatable oil to make it stick better, then paint brush it on. Never had that not work.

[Crystal]

xxx tabasco sause.. the hottier the better. I know how it sounds, but have no mercy.

[Mood Swings]

I'd try mixing a bunch of nasty tasting things together, what about Vick's vapo rub, betcha that would taste nasty. . . there is always Buckleys Could you tie him? Or is the wrapping a long term thing? Another option is good old duct tape

[freshman]

If this is a daily sort problem that the horse has with its stable wraps, etc, then it may be worth fitting him with a wire muzzle. There are some designs that prevent the horse from grasping and biting people, wood, and, in this case, his own bandages. The horse is able to eat and drink with the muzzle on, obut it takes some time and careful observation when it is first applied to make sure that the horse figures this out. Once the horse gets used to wearing it, no big deal. Something to try if the horse happily munches through the hot sauce, the sour spray, etc.

If it is necessary for him to be bandaged d/t an injury, you could try a neck cradle to prevent him from reaching them at all. These are usually made of wooden dowels that are bound loosely together and fitted as a sort of "splint" under the horse's neck. Goes from the base of the neck where it meets the chest to just under the throatlatch. It is really not as medieval as it sounds. It is really like e-collar for horses. It has wooden beads that roll and slide to relieve pressure points, like the beaded wooden car seat covers.

Other than that, you can rig a hi-line overhead in the stall using a pulley system and coated steel cables. The horse is tied by its halter to the system so that he can move freely but cannot get his head down to ground (or his lower legs). However, this also means that the horse cannot lay down at all.

The neck cradle and hi-lining aren't something to inflict on the horse in a casual manner. But they can be useful in medical situations where the horse must be protected from his own behaviors. If nothing seems to work for your horse, consider inquiring with your vet and/or a veterinarian at a large equine hospital. They have seen it all, and are likely to have a lot of suggestions about something like this. There is more than one way to skin a cat.

[zinn21]

Thanks for the input.

[Laurierace]

I know there is an exception to every rule, but I have yet to see one that would tangle with wrap last. That stuff is lethal! Tape the bandages well, take a deep breath, spray it on and run like hell!

[Intrinsic Worth]

Wrap Last is the best, but as previously mentioned, spray and run. The first time I used it on a horse, I didn't take into account the fan that was above the stall. I sprayed and it went back into my face. I couldn't breath, see and my face burned forever.

[zinn21]

You're not gonna believe this but he tears em off through the Rap Last too and that stuff could stop a freight train.

I hate to tye him up for long periods of time. That would be more detrimental than leaving him open IMO. Hopefully over time he'll get used to them.

Like I said before I only hope he carries this incredible determination over to the racetrack.

[Laurierace]

I have one horse who tears them off through pepper and tape if I use dmso, but won't touch them with other things underneath the bandage. Maybe whatever you are doing him up with is the culprit?

[zinn21]

Checked in on him today and he's getting a little better with the bandages. Actually left them on last night.

Tell you what-I've never seen one chew his bandages off through Wrap Last and he's done it a bunch of times. My trainer can hardly put them on him without choking from the residual Wrap Last previously applied..

[CA Michael]

Round Table was a rare horse in many ways. One of these was his unstoppable urge to pull the skin from his forelegs. Claiborne outfitted him with a muzzle for much of his adult life. Not sure if they tried a cradle on him. His oral fixations didn't stop him from running a bit, though.

[Tucumcari]

Wraplast is best...and the worst.... It gags me, causes an asthma attack, etc.... but there are other methods as well Mix cayanne pepper into a paste. And smother the bandages in it.... Sometimes if the bandages are being torn through with too much regularity, I will put some in the horse's mouth... kinda mean, but it gets the point accross...
Also powdered laundry detergent mixed into a paste and paint it on...

[tbrace]

One of those wooden neck stiles will work. Also check to see if the bandages are causing an irritation, or if there is a slight tendon inflammation or something that is causing him pain when wrapped.

[zinn21]

He's doing better with his bandages but still takes them off regularly. I wouldn't want to use something around his neck restricting his movement.

There's no irritation on his legs-they are perfect. He just hates stuff on him. He even knocks his blanket off on the hotwalking machine. He's something else.