Modified Thomas splint-cast combination for the management of limb fractures in small equids.

The study is about the management and outcomes of limb fractures in small equids (horses and donkeys) using a modified Thomas splint-cast combination, and how this treatment can result in the equids recovering and being able to move around pastures, albeit possibly with a visible deformation of the affected limb.

Research Methodology

• The research was done through a retrospective case series and involved client-owned horses and donkeys from the period of 2001 to 2012.
• The medical records of the animals, including their radiographs, were reviewed for details about those which had been diagnosed with a limb fracture and were treated with the modified Thomas splint-cast combination (MTSCC).
• More information about the conditions of the animals >6 months post-treatment was obtained by conducting telephone consultations with the owners or the veterinarians of the treated equids.

Results

• The study found a total of nine horses and four donkeys which had a variety of fractures in different bones such as the tibial diaphysis, ulna, distal metatarsus, proximal metacarpus, radial diaphysis, calcaneus, and distal femoral physis.
• Among the 13 equids, follow-up information was available for 12 equids. Among these 12, eight equids (or around two-thirds) fully recovered from the fracture and were able to move satisfactorily in a pasture setting. However, six of these equids developed visible external deformation of the limb that had been affected by the fracture.

Conclusions

• The mixed results indicate that the modified Thomas splint-cast combination (MTSCC) procedure can indeed be used to manage long-bone fractures in equids. However, this is recommended for small equids without any athletic performance expectations.
• An important point highlighted in the study is that the MTSCC treatment should be considered a salvage procedure. This essentially means it should be used as a last resort when no other better options are available.
• From the results of the study, it’s clear that informed consent should be obtained from the owner about the possible outcomes and implications of the treatment, which includes the fact that there could be an obvious external deformation of the affected limb post-treatment.