Risk factors associated with cast complications in horses: 398 cases (1997-2006)
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Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
23234287
Description
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of and risk factors for complications associated with casts in horses.
DESIGN
Multicenter retrospective case series.
ANIMALS
398 horses with a half-limb or full-limb cast treated at 1 of 4 hospitals.
PROCEDURES
Data collected from medical records included age, breed, sex, injury, limb affected, time from injury to hospital admission, surgical procedure performed, type of cast (bandage cast [BC; fiberglass tape applied over a bandage] or traditional cast [TC; fiberglass tape applied over polyurethane resin-impregnated foam]), limb position in cast (flexed, neutral, or extended), and complications. Risk factors for cast complications were identified via multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS
Cast complications were detected in 197 of 398 (49%) horses (18/53 [34%] horses with a BC and 179/345 [52%] horses with a TC). Of the 197 horses with complications, 152 (77%) had clinical signs of complications prior to cast removal; the most common clinical signs were increased lameness severity and visibly detectable soft tissue damage Cast sores were the most common complication (179/398 [45%] horses). Casts broke for 20 (5%) horses. Three (0.8%) horses developed a bone fracture attributable to casting Median time to detection of complications was 12 days and 8 days for horses with TCs and BCs, respectively. Complications developed in 71%, 48%, and 47% of horses with the casted limb in a flexed, neutral, and extended position, respectively. For horses with TCs, hospital, limb position in the cast, and sex were significant risk factors for development of cast complications.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results indicated that 49% of horses with a cast developed cast complications.
To determine the frequency of and risk factors for complications associated with casts in horses.
DESIGN
Multicenter retrospective case series.
ANIMALS
398 horses with a half-limb or full-limb cast treated at 1 of 4 hospitals.
PROCEDURES
Data collected from medical records included age, breed, sex, injury, limb affected, time from injury to hospital admission, surgical procedure performed, type of cast (bandage cast [BC; fiberglass tape applied over a bandage] or traditional cast [TC; fiberglass tape applied over polyurethane resin-impregnated foam]), limb position in cast (flexed, neutral, or extended), and complications. Risk factors for cast complications were identified via multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS
Cast complications were detected in 197 of 398 (49%) horses (18/53 [34%] horses with a BC and 179/345 [52%] horses with a TC). Of the 197 horses with complications, 152 (77%) had clinical signs of complications prior to cast removal; the most common clinical signs were increased lameness severity and visibly detectable soft tissue damage Cast sores were the most common complication (179/398 [45%] horses). Casts broke for 20 (5%) horses. Three (0.8%) horses developed a bone fracture attributable to casting Median time to detection of complications was 12 days and 8 days for horses with TCs and BCs, respectively. Complications developed in 71%, 48%, and 47% of horses with the casted limb in a flexed, neutral, and extended position, respectively. For horses with TCs, hospital, limb position in the cast, and sex were significant risk factors for development of cast complications.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results indicated that 49% of horses with a cast developed cast complications.
Date of Publication
2013-01-01
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Language(s)
en
Contributor(s)
Janicek, John C. | |
McClure, Scott R. | |
Lescun, Timothy B. | |
Schultz, Loren | |
Whittal, Carly R. | |
Whitfield-Cargile, Canaan |
Additional Credits
Series
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publisher
American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN
0003-1488
Access(Rights)
metadata.only