Equine Bandaging, Splinting, and Casting Techniques 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.
Table of Contents:
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
About the Author :
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.
