Equine Bandaging, Splinting, and Casting Techniques

Preface ix

About the Companion Websitexi

Section I Application of Equine Bandages 1

1 Materials and Concepts for Bandage Application 3

Bandage Layers 3

Primary Layer 4

Secondary Layer 4

Tertiary Layer 6

Additional Protection of the Bandage 9

Application of Bandage Materials 10

Order of Application 10

Amount of Padding 10

Tension 10

Wrapping the Material 14

Applying the Bandage 16

Preparation for Bandage Application 18

Safety with the Patient 18

Sweat Bandages 19

Special Considerations for Bandage Application 21

Removing a Bandage 23

Bandage Management and Complications 24

Suggested Reading 28

2 Distal Limb Bandages 29

Hoof Bandages 29

Half Limb Bandages 37

Positioning the Cotton Combine Padding 37

Applying the Half Limb Bandage 38

3 Full Limb Bandages 49

Front Limb 49

Rear Limb 49

4 Carpal Bandages 63

5 Tarsal Bandages 71

6 Head and Neck Bandages 77

Ear Bandage 77

Head Pressure Bandage 77

Head Netting Bandage 85

7 Upper Limb and Body Bandages 87

Elastic Tape/Ether Bandage 87

Tie-Over Bandage 90

Abdominal Wrap 92

Section II Application of Equine Limb Splints 97

8 Materials and Concepts for Splint Application 99

Principles of Equine Limb Immobilization 100

Splinting for Wound Healing 100

Splinting for Flexural Deformities 102

Splinting for Limb Support and Fractures 104

Bandages for Splint Application 104

Robert Jones Bandage 104

Modified Robert Jones Bandage 105

Evidence Base for Equine Fracture Splinting 105

Splint Materials and Fabrication 106

Fracture First Aid 108

Fracture Regions 109

References 113

Suggested Reading 114

9 Distal Limb Splinting 115

Region I PVC Splinting – Phalanges and Distal Fetlock 115

10 Full Limb Splinting 125

Region II PVC Splinting – Metacarpus/Metatarsus and Carpus/Tarsus 125

Region III PVC Splinting – Radius, Ulna, and Tibia 133

Section III Application of Equine Casts 139

11 Materials and Concepts for Cast Application 141

Casting Team 143

Patient Preparation for Cast Application 144

Limb Positioning for Cast Application 144

Cast Materials and Method of Application 144

Stockinette 145

Cast Padding 146

Cast Tape 147

Cast Management and Complications 150

Cast Removal 154

Suggested Reading 157

12 Hoof and Phalangeal Casts 159

Hoof Cast 159

Phalangeal Cast 159

13 Bandage Casts 171

14 Half Limb Casts 179

Anesthetized Half Limb Cast Application 182

Standing Half Limb Cast Application 188

Standing Cast Removal 193

15 Full Limb Casts 197

Index 205

A practical reference manual dealing with a vital component of clinical practice in equine medicine

The application of bandages, splints, and casts is an essential part of equine surgical and veterinary care. Traditionally, however, there have been few available resources wholly dedicated to application techniques. The result is that equine veterinary practitioners learn to bandage, splint, and cast on the job, with highly variable results; some practitioners are unwilling even to attempt a cast, spurning this valuable healing tool entirely rather than attempt it from an uncertain base of knowledge.

Equine Bandaging, Splinting, and Casting Techniques offers the first comprehensive reference to this specific set of techniques and their applications in equine veterinary medicine. It promises to cultivate a rigorous, clinically tested, consistent standard of care that will improve patient outcomes and long-term owner costs. It is a must-own for any veterinary practitioner who works with equine patients.

Equine Bandaging, Splinting, and Casting Techniques readers will also find:

• Step-by-step organization guides reader smoothly through each process
• Practical tips and advice for improving quality and appearance of bandages and casts
• Over 270 color images, including clinical examples and radiographs, supplementing every listed technique

Equine Bandaging, Splinting, and Casting Techniques is ideal for all veterinary practitioners, technicians, and students interested in equine care.

J. Dylan Lutter, DVM, MS. DACVS-LA, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Equine Performance Medicine and Surgery at Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. He is board certified in large animal surgery since 2015 and has attained a certificate as an Equine Rehabilitation Practioner (Physical Therapy) in 2019.

Haileigh K. Avellar, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Equine Surgery at Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She is board certified in large animal surgery since 2022.

Jen M. Panzer, RVT, is a Registered Veterinary Technician in Large Animal and Equine Surgery at Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been a registered technician since 2001.