Wounds of the pastern and foot region managed with phalangeal casts: 50 cases in 49 horses (1995-2006).
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.


METHODS
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.
Ketzner
K M
KM
Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
Stewart
A A
AA
Byron
C R
CR
Stewart
M
M
Gaughan
E M
EM
Vanharreveld
P D
PD
Lillich
J D
JD
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000293:injuries; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D014033:Toe Joint / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents