Page 123 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

Cast Application 119

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---1 Figure 19-19 Incorporation of a dorsal-palmar

,.___ splint to increase bending strength in a half limb

cast.

A B

ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES

Figure 19-17 Areas prone to cast sore development

when a half limb cast is worn. Splints

During cast application, longitudinal splints of

cast material can be applied on the dorsal and

palmar aspect of the cast for additional strength.

The splints are applied after several layers of cast

material have been applied, and the final layers of

cast material are used to incorporate the splints

into the cast (Figure 19-19).

Preplaced Fetotomy Wires

Plastic-covered fetotomy wires can be preplaced

on the medial and lateral aspects of the limb

superficial to the cast padding but deep to the

casting tape. The cast is then removed by placing

handles on the wire and using the wire to saw the
Figure 19-18 Cast sores on the palmar aspect of the

fetlock. cast open on each side.2

laxity occurs within a short period of time. Prox- COMMENTS

imal sesamoid bone fracture secondary to disuse

osteopenia after hind limb cast application has Casts are only rarely used as the primary stabi-

been reported in two horses.12 Half-limb casts lization method for fractures or luxations. More

ending too low can create stress concentration on often, casting is used as initial first aid stabiliza-

the metacarpal bone and risk fracture, especially tion for the transport of horses with severe

during recovery from anesthesia. orthopedic injuries. For more information on the

Breaking of the cast usually occurs at the level appropriate form of stabilization for specific

of a moveable joint. Breakage is a result of inade- injuries, Chapter 4 on emergency stabilization of

quate cast material strength due to inadequate orthopedic injuries should be consulted.

thickness or inadequate curing ( curing of two or The benefits of cast application iI1 wound

more individual layers). Broken casts need to be healing are often overlooked because of a per-

removed immediately and replaced entirely. ceived increase in cost. We have found that the