Field fracture management.
Emergency management of distal limb and skull fractures in horses is vital to the successful outcome of these cases. Distal limb fractures, in particular, require careful assessment and counseling of the owner as well as adequate stabilization or coaptation of the fracture. Horses with limb or skull fractures may also have concurrent pain, blood loss, and other fluid losses that can result in shock requiring fluid therapy before definitive treatment of the fracture. Proper emergency fracture stabilization, initial treatment in the field, and patient transport are discussed.
Mudge
Margaret C
MC
Equine Emergency and Critical Care, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. mudge.3@osu.edu <mudge.3@osu.edu>
Bramlage
Lawrence R
LR
D000818:Animals; D004630:Emergencies / Q000662:veterinary; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D013165:Splints; D014187:Transportation of Patients