Page 452 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

fracture, leave him where he is and keep him as still as possible until the vet arrives. The vet

will examine the horse and advise you on the right course of action. If treatment is
VetBooks.ir considered, the vet will apply a suitable splint to:
•
stabilize the limb
• prevent further injury to the bone or surrounding soft tissues

• stop further contamination and infection of open wounds

• allow the horse to be moved and to travel safely to a hospital for further assessment.

The management of the horse at this stage can have a big influence on the eventual outcome.

Any uncontrolled movement could turn a potentially repairable fracture into a complete
disaster necessitating euthanasia.

There are several different bandaging and splinting techniques and the choice is
determined by the type and location of the fracture. Your vet will decide which is the most

appropriate, following examination of the horse. If possible, the joints above and below the
fracture site will be immobilized. Once the splint has been applied, the horse is usually more

comfortable.
The vet is also likely to:

• Provide pain relief

• Administer antibiotics if there is an open wound
• Give a small amount of sedative if the horse is very anxious

The horse may be X-rayed at home or at an equine hospital. If transport is necessary the
horse should be supported with secure partitions in a trailer or lorry with a low ramp and

driven very carefully. The X-rays help to make a diagnosis and determine how serious the
injury is.

The treatment of fractures

• Fractures of the long bones (humerus and tibia Figure 10.10) above the knee and hock
cannot be successfully treated in the adult horse. These animals need immediate

euthanasia on humane grounds.
• Many fractures of the lower limb can be successfully repaired under general anaesthesia

using metal implants. This will be followed by a period of box rest with the limb well
supported in a cast, splint or a thick Robert Jones bandage whilst the bone repairs (Figure

10.12).