Chapter 74 - Emergency treatment Flashcards
Figure 74-7. (A) A Kimzey splint with nylon straps fitted with hook-and-loop patches is shown on the left; (B) the splint is applied to the distal limb of a horse over a bandage. These splints are well suited for first-aid treatment of suspensory apparatus injuries
Illustration showing sites on the horse (shaded areas) where bones are covered only by skin with no muscle protection, making them susceptible to open fractures when kicked by another horse.
Figure 74-6. Illustration showing the biomechanically important divisions of the forelimb and hind limb from distal to proximal: Forelimb (I) distal to the distal quarter of third metacarpal (MCIII), (II) from the distal aspect of MCIII to the distal aspect of the radius, (III) from the distal aspect of the radius to the elbow joint, and (IV) proximal to the elbow joint. Hind limb (I) distal to the distal quarter of third metatarsal (MTIII), (II) from the distal aspect of MTIII to the tarsus, (III) from the tarsus to the stifle joint, and (IV) proximal to the stifle joint.
What has improved the success rate of fracture management?
A. New surgical techniques
B. Use of a rescue unit for transporting fracture patients
C. Advanced pharmaceutical treatments
D. Improved breeding practices
B. Use of a rescue unit for transporting fracture patients
What should be considered in rescuing horses from dangerous locations?
Avoiding additional trauma
What is mandatory for horses with fractures?
A thorough clinical examination
What can be overlooked, affecting the diagnosis and prognosis?
Lacerations or lesions
What is a concern in the distal limb of a horse with fractures?
Vasospasms and vascular compromise
What dictates the use of sedation in treating horses with fractures?
The fracture and character of the horse
What should be the primary focus of fracture stabilization?
Pain and anxiety reduction and partial weight bearing
What is essential to prevent in horses with fractures during transport?
Movement of the fractured limb
How should the joints related to a fractured bone be immobilized?
Using external coaptation
What is the importance of stabilizing the joints above and below the fracture?
To prevent further displacement
What is a key requirement for splints used in equine fracture stabilization?
Orthogonal planes application
Which material is mentioned as suitable for improvised splints?
Metal rods or wooden boards
What is critical for immobilizing long bone fractures in horses?
Regional immobilization
What is the recommended stabilization method for fractures of the proximal or middle phalanx, and distal MCIII/MTIII?
Elevating the heels with a wedge and applying a cast from heels to proximal MCIII/MTIII
What is the first step in stabilizing fractures of the radius and tibia?
Application of a sturdy splint or cast up to the elbow or stifle
What is a suitable alternative to casts for fractures for proximal and middle phalanx as well flexor tendon lacerations and some LSB injuries? in which case is contraindicated?
The Leg Saver splint –> NOT ADIVSED for CONDYLAR FRACTURES of MT or MCIII because minimal medial-to-lateral support
What type of fractures do not require a bandage or splint?
Fractures of the humerus and femur
What is critical for emergency treatment of fractures of the scapula?
Sedation and pain management
How are fractures of the ulna typically stabilized?
With a splint that includes the carpal region
What can fractures of the ulna in horses lead to?
Failure of the passive stay apparatus of the forelimb