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Wounds of the pastern and foot region managed with phalangeal casts: 50 cases in 49 horses (1995–2006) |
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| Authors: | KM Ketzner AA Stewart CR Byron M Stewart EM Gaughan PD Vanharreveld JD Lillich |
| Institution: | Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA; Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 W. Hazelwood Dr, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois 61802, USA;; Littleton Large Animal Clinic, Littleton, Colorado, USA; Vermont Large Animal Clinic-Equine Hospital, Milton, Vermont, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, Kansas, USA |
| Abstract: | Objective Describe the use of a phalangeal cast as treatment for wounds in the pastern and foot region of horses. Secondly, to evaluate the healing and soundness of horses treated with phalangeal casts. Design Retrospective study of 49 horses. Procedures Medical records of 49 horses that were treated with a phalangeal cast for 50 cases of wounds in the pastern and foot region at equine referral hospitals from 1995 to 2006 were reviewed and follow-up information was obtained. Results Treatment consisted of wound debridement, lavage, wound closure (28 wounds), cast application and antibiotics (84%). At follow-up, the majority of horses were sound (42 of 47 wounds, 89.4%), three horses were still lame and one horse was euthanased because of persistent lameness. Three horses were lost to follow-up. There was no statistical difference between the outcomes of horses treated acutely (<24 h) or after a 24-h delay. Similarly, the involvement of synovial structures in the wound did not significantly influence outcome. Conclusions In this study, wounds involving the pastern and foot that were treated with a phalangeal cast carried a good prognosis for soundness (89.4%) and cosmetic healing (89.5%). The phalangeal casts were well-tolerated and effective. |
| Keywords: | casts horses synovial structures wounds |