Casts

Question 1

when to remove cast (3)

Answer 1

• adults q4-6 weeks
• neonates q1-2 weeks
• at first sign of lameness!!

Question 2

where are transfixation pins placed

Answer 2

PROXIMAL to fracture

Question 3

transfixation pins: uses in ruminants (2)

Answer 3

• displaced fractures (mainly metacarpus/trarsus)

- open fractures

Question 4

common sites of sores when placing bandages in equines (6)

Answer 4

• *use felt with hole or foam doughnut
• accessory carpal bone
• palmar/plantar fetlock
• ergot
• proximal aspect of cast
• calcaneus
• coronary band

Question 5

fiberglass pros and cons

Answer 5

pros: radiolucent, sets quickly
cons: $$

Question 6

what to remember when placing casts? (10)

Answer 6

• must cross joint above and below
• wear gloves
• never end in middle of long bone
• Food must be inside (exception: tube cast)
• don’t use gigli wire if lots of swelling
• don’t drag cast saw; just press
• cold water = longer to set
• stockinetter = 2.5 length of cast
• no fingerprints = pressure points
• only squeeze H2O out when submerged

Question 7

tube cast aim and uses

Answer 7

-food and fetlock are NOT enclosed

goal is to keep limb straight while preventing atrophy

does NOT immobilize fracture

uses:
- foals with incomplete ossification of cuboidal carpal/tarsal bones
- some angular deformities
- after arthrodesis of carpus
- gastroc rupture in foals

Question 8

purpose of transfixation pins

Answer 8

takes force off of fracture

Question 9

transfixation pins: uses in horses (3)

Answer 9

horses:
- comminuted fracture of phalanges
- comminuted fracture of distal canon bone (MCIII/MTIII)
- breakdown injuries of fetlock

Question 10

plaster of paris pros and cons

Answer 10

pro: cheap

cons:
- takes longer
- not radiolucent
- falls apart when wet,
- heavy
- doesn’t breath well

Question 11

thomas schroeder cast

Answer 11

only ruminants and small equids

used to keep limb in extension and immobilized

Question 12

these casts don’t require GA

Answer 12

slipper cast and bandages