Evaluation of a Simplified Loops System for Emergency Rescue Lifting of the Stranded or Recumbent Horse.
Abstract: Stranded and recumbent equids often require emergency rescue, and a successful rescue often requires vertical lifting of the animal. Currently, the devices used for vertical lifting of equids are not readily available at an incident or urgent situation. The current study describes and evaluates the use of a simple lift device utilizing commercially available, and reasonably priced, equipment. The system, referred to as the Loop Vertical Lift System or Loops System, is basically composed of four round slings placed in such a way that utilizes the skeletal system for support. The study demonstrates the lifting of six standing, sedated adult horses for 3 min without adverse effects. In conclusion, this novel lift system is an affordable, practical and quick alternative to rescue a stranded or recumbent horse that requires a brief vertical lift of the animal. In contrast, for longer-term lifting and support, other devices such as the UC Davis Large Animal Lift, the Anderson Sling Support Device, or the Animal Rescue and Transport Sling (ARTS) should be used as deemed appropriate.
Publication Date: 2019-07-31 PubMed ID: 31370327PubMed Central: PMC6720495DOI: 10.3390/ani9080511Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research evaluates a simplified lifting system known as the Loops System, which proves to be an affordable, practical, and quick method for briefly lifting stranded or recumbent horses in emergency rescue situations. This method uses commercially available equipment and builds on the horse’s skeletal support for successful vertical lifting.
Introduction on Emergency Lifting of Horses
- When horses or other large equids become stuck or unable to stand (recumbent), they often require assistance to rescue, which can include the need for vertical lifting. The current tools used to do this can be costly or not easily accessible during emergency situations.
- This study introduces and tests the usage of a simplified emergency lifting device referred to as the Loop Vertical Lift System or Loops System, which is practical in its implementation, affordable in its cost, and uses commercially available equipment.
Description and Evaluation of the Loops System
- The Loops System consists of four round slings placed strategically to maximize skeletal support when lifting the equid. This makes it possible for rescuers to facilitate a safe and secure lift.
- The design’s efficacy was investigated by lifting six sedated adult horses for a duration of three minutes. The procedure exhibited no substantial adverse effects, affirming the system’s usefulness and efficiency for brief emergency lifting situations.
Comparative Analysis with Other Lifting Devices
- While the newly evaluated Loop System is ideal for short-term, emergency lifts, the research also acknowledges other devices – such as the UC Davis Large Animal Lift, the Anderson Sling Support Device, or the Animal Rescue and Transport Sling (ARTS) – that are more suitable for extended lifting and support situations.
- Such devices should be used as necessary based on the particular circumstances and needs of the stranded or recumbent horse.
Cite This Article
APA
Madigan J, Costa L, Nieves S, Horgan M, Weberg K, Aleman M.
(2019).
Evaluation of a Simplified Loops System for Emergency Rescue Lifting of the Stranded or Recumbent Horse.
Animals (Basel), 9(8), 511.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9080511 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. jemadigan@ucdavis.edu.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. mraleman@ucdavis.edu.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Madigan J, Costa L, Nieves S, Horgan M, Weberg K, Aleman M. Description of Placement Procedures for Common Methods Used in Equine Emergency Rescue Using a Simplified Loops System.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Aug 5;9(8).
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