Modified Thomas splint-cast combination for the management of limb fractures in small equids

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

  • Søren Ladefoged
  • Sigrid Grulke
  • V. Busoni
  • D. Serteyn
  • Alexandra Salciccia
  • Denis Verwilghen
Objective: To describe the management and outcome of limb fractures in small domestic equids treated with a modified Thomas splint-cast combination (MTSCC).
Study Design: Retrospective case series.
Animals: Client owned horses and donkeys.
Methods: Medical records, including radiographs, were reviewed for details of animals diagnosed with a limb fracture and treated by external coaptation using a MTSCC (2001-2012). Follow-up >6 months after discharge was obtained via telephone consultation with owners or veterinarians.
Results: Nine horses and 4 donkeys were identified with fractures of the tibial diaphysis (n = 4), ulna (n = 3), distal metatarsus (n = 2), proximal metacarpus (n = 1), radial diaphysis (n = 1), calcaneus (n = 1), and distal femoral physis (n = 1). Follow-up was available for 12 equids, of which 8 (67%) recovered from the fracture and became pasture sound. Six equids developed obvious external deformation of the affected limb.
Conclusion: Selected small equids with long bone fractures, and without athletic expectations, can be managed with external coaptation using an MTSCC. The owner should be informed that the treatment is considered a salvage procedure.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftVeterinary Surgery
Vol/bind46
Udgave nummer3
Sider (fra-til)381–388
ISSN0161-3499
DOI
StatusUdgivet - apr. 2017

ID: 163863686