Modified Thomas splint-cast combination for the management of limb fractures in small equids.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the management and outcome of limb fractures in small domestic equids treated with a modified Thomas splint-cast combination (MTSCC).


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Client owned horses and donkeys.


METHODS
Medical records, including radiographs, were reviewed for details of animals diagnosed with a limb fracture and treated by external coaptation using a MTSCC (2001-2012). Follow-up >6 months after discharge was obtained via telephone consultation with owners or veterinarians.


RESULTS
Nine horses and 4 donkeys were identified with fractures of the tibial diaphysis (n = 4), ulna (n = 3), distal metatarsus (n = 2), proximal metacarpus (n = 1), radial diaphysis (n = 1), calcaneus (n = 1), and distal femoral physis (n = 1). Follow-up was available for 12 equids, of which 8 (67%) recovered from the fracture and became pasture sound. Six equids developed obvious external deformation of the affected limb.


CONCLUSIONS
Selected small equids with long bone fractures, and without athletic expectations, can be managed with external coaptation using an MTSCC. The owner should be informed that the treatment is considered a salvage procedure.
Medicine and Surgery, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Allé 5, 2630, Tåstrup, Denmark.
Søren
S
Ladefoged
Surgery and Orthopedics, Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Liege, Avenue de Cureghem 5D B41, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
Sigrid
S
Grulke
Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Liege, Bld de Colonster 20 B41, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
Valeria
V
Busoni
Surgery and Orthopedics, Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Liege, Avenue de Cureghem 5D B41, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
Didier
D
Serteyn
Surgery and Orthopedics, Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Liege, Avenue de Cureghem 5D B41, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
Alexandra
A
Salciccia
Medicine and Surgery, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Allé 5, 2630, Tåstrup, Denmark.|Surgery and Orthopedics, Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Liege, Avenue de Cureghem 5D B41, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
Denis
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4174-6007
D
Verwilghen
D000818:Animals; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013165:Splints / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery