Page 117 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

CHAPTER 19

Cast Application

Joanne Kramer

INDICATIONS CAST APPLICATION

Casts provide mechanical support and physical Preparation

protection for fractures, luxations, and tendon The limb should be clean and the foot trimmed

and ligament injuries. Casts also provide physical normally. A sterile dressing is applied over inci-

protection and soft tissue immobilization for sions or wounds. A double layer of stockinette is

wounds and are commonly used to facilitate applied to the region of limb to be cast (Figure_ 19-

wound healing.
2). The stockinette should conform to the limb

and not be allowed to wrinkle. Orthopedic felt is

•
applied at the proximal limit of the cast (Figure

EQUIPMENT 19-3).

Fiberglass casting material, cast padding, syn-

thetic stockinette, orthopedic felt, and acrylic are

used (Figure 19-1). A variety of fiberglass casting

material is available.I" We commonly use Delta Limb Positioning and Handling

Lite "S."*

The limb is generally cast in a weight-bearing

position. Exceptions include flexor tendon lacera-

tions, where the limb may be cast in a slightly
POSITIONING AND PREPARATION
flexed position. The hind limb is often cast in

slight fle:x:ion to decrease tension on the superfi- .

Most casts are applied under general anesthesia cial digital flexor tendon from the reciprocal

with the affected limb uppermost. Standing apparatus when the stifle and hock flex. If traction

application is possible but increases the risk of a is required, wires may be placed through the hoof

poorly fitting cast due to movement. Half limb wall and used with a steel bar to apply traction.

and distal limb casts are put on with the horse Wires may also be useful to maintain foot posi-

under general anesthesia, Foot casts and some tion while casting. When handling the limb

forelimb distal limb casts are put on with the during cast application, the limb should be held

horse standing with the affected limb held up by
only at the foot and above the cast. Pressure 011
an assistant.
the cast material during the curing process can

create focal pressure points that lead to cast sores

"Delta-Lite I'S"; Iohnson & [ohnson, Raynham, Mass. or areas of stress concentration.

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