Page 121 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

Cast Application 117

A modification of this procedure is performed Cast Removal

when less immobilization is required or the ban-

dage cast is used as a transition to bandaging alone In adult horses, casts are generally removed or

after a half limb cast has been removed. The initial replaced within 4 to 6 weeks. With very careful

layer of bandage material described earlier is monitoring, an adult horse showing no problems

placed without Vetrap, and a second identical layer may wear a cast up to 6 to 8 weeks. In young foals,

is placed over the initial layer and secured with an casts should be removed in 10 to 12 days. For

elastic wrap. The cast is then constructed without older foals, casts can be left in place for up to 3

inclusion of the bottom of the foot and bivalved weeks.

at the first bandage change (Figure 19-12, A to C). For orthopedic support, cast application is
often necessary for 8 weeks. For wound support,

cast application is required for 2 to 3 weeks.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE Casts are removed with an oscillating cast

cutter and cast spreaders. The medial and lateral

P,o.sto erative Gare sides of the entire length of the cast are cut full

thickness with an oscillating saw (Figure 19-14).

Bandagng: A support bandage and foot eleva- The cast spreaders are then inserted in the cut line
i

tion are often applied to the contralateral lrmb9 and the cast pried open (Figure 19-15). The
(Figure 19-13). In cases of severe injury, support

to the contralateral limb is essential to decrease underlying stockinette is then cut, and the cast is

the risks of contralateral limb laminitis. This can be removed from the limb. When the oscillating saw

provided in the form of frog and caudal support, has penetrated the depth of the cast, a character-

heel elevation, and decreased breakover. Com- istic «give" is felt. The cast cutters should not be

mercial shoes are available and work well for this dragged back and forth along an area to be cut.

purpose" Even pressure should be applied without moving

Exercise Restridions: Horses with casts should the saw until the cast has penetrated the depth of

be confined to a stall. After cast removal, exercise the cast. The cast cutters are then removed and

must be gradually increased to avoid overloading reinserted so that the previously cut area is over-

articular cartilage, bone, and soft tissues. The lapping halfway with the next area to be cut. Cast

longer the period of immobilization, the more spreaders should not be inserted until the entire

important and gradual is this reintroduction length of cast is cut. If the thickness of the cast is

period. .
symmetrical and the layers of casting tape have

"Redden Modified Ultimate; Nanric Inc., Versailles, Ky. cured in a one-layer cast, removal is straightfor-

A B c

Figure 19-12 A bandage cast used for transition to bandaging after traditional half limb casting. A, The casting

material is placed over a double layer of bandage material. B, At the first desired bandage change, the bandage cast is

split into two halves, C, After the bandage is changed, the halves are supported with duct tape, allowing subsequent

bandage changes to be performed as needed.