6. Large animal casting

Question 1

Principles of casting

Answer 1

Smooth contour
No wrinkles = no pressure sores
A joint above and below
Never end in the middle of a long bone or at the level of a fracture

Question 2

Cast uses

Answer 2

IMMOBILIZATION
lacerations
fracture stabilization
Transfixing pin casting
Support for fracture
Soft tissue injuries

Question 3

Ideal casting material properties

Answer 3

lightweight
Rapid set
Inexpensive
Easy to apply
Durable

Question 4

Casting material options

Answer 4

Fiberglass casting tape

Plaster of paris

Question 5

Fiberglass properties

Answer 5

Lightweight
Rapid set <5-7min
Easy

Question 6

Plaster of Paris properties

Answer 6

Cheap
Long set >24hrs
Messy
Poor strength to weight ratio
HEAVY

Question 7

Complications of immobilization

Answer 7

Articular cartilage degeneration
Loss of bone density
Decreased muscle strength

Question 8

Cast application

Answer 8

GA or standing (slipper foot, bandage cast)
Hole through hoof for giggle wire
Stockinetter 2.5-3x length of cast (INCORPORATE THE FOOT)
Extra padding at proximal aspect and around coronary band and fetlock region
Overlap 50%
No fingerprints, wrinkles
Elastikon to seal top of cast and grip on bottom

Question 9

Cast removal

Answer 9

Saw
Gigli wire
Cast spreaders
GLOVES

Question 10

Evaluation post removal

Answer 10

Radiographs - fractures present?
Continued stall rest - fracture? –> for >12wks
Bandage placed after cast removal

Question 11

Cast complications (5)

Answer 11

Swelling
Foul odor
Moisture
Cracks
Increased temperature

Question 12

Why complications

Answer 12

Poor placement
Poor owner or horse compliance
Subsolar abscess
Post op complications
Septic process under cast

Question 13

Clinical signs of failure

Answer 13

LAMENESS
swelling
odor, moisture, cracks
increase temperature

Question 14

When to change cast

Answer 14

AT LAMENESS
Q6wk - adults
Q7-10d - neonates
If swollen during placement - 3-5d later