If your horse experiences an injury or wound to the lower leg, below the knee or hock, special care should be taken in order to avoid complications. The application of a cast can be an important step in the healing process to protect the injured area and help ensure a successful recovery.
By Dr. Adam
Applying Casts to Treat Injuries in Horses
Why is casting an important treatment option for wound healing in horses, particularly for injuries to the lower extremities?
When most people think of using a cast, it would be for a broken bone. Casting a limb due to a broken bone can be performed in horses (for non-displaced fractures), but more commonly, we use it for wound treatment. The horse is unique when it comes to healing wounds on the lower extremities. Proud flesh (excessive granulation tissue) can form quickly and easily for wounds distal the carpus and hock.
To prevent proud flesh formation, we need to apply pressure and decrease movement. Typically, bandages are applied over wounds. However, they are often not tight enough or loosen over time, and they need to be applied frequently. A cast is a great option to reduce the need for constant bandage changes and to allow for decreased movement of the limb, leading to increased healing.
Has your horse sustained an injury or wound to their hoof or leg? Contact our equine vets at Great Lakes Equine in Hortonville right away to request an appointment.
