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

The research focuses on the usage and effectiveness of phalangeal casts in treating wounds in the pastern and foot region of horses. The results reveal a high rate of positive outcome in terms of both soundness and cosmetic healing.

Research Methodology

• A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 49 horses with 50 cases of wounds in the pastern and foot region treated with a phalangeal cast at various equine hospitals between 1995 and 2006.
• The treatment method includes wound debridement (cleaning up the wound), lavage (washing out contaminants), wound closure through suturing or other methods (applied in 28 cases), application of the cast, and usage of antibiotics in 84% of the cases.

Results of the Study

• At follow-up, it was found that majority of horses, around 89.4%, had successful healing and returned to their regular activity without any noticeable discomfort.
• Conversely, three horses remained lame despite the treatment, and one had to be euthanized due to persistent lameness. Three other horses were lost to follow-up, leaving their current state unknown.

Key Findings

• The study could not find any significant statistical difference in the outcomes of horses that received immediate treatment (<24 h) versus those treated after a day long delay.
• Similarly, the involvement of synovial structures (the structures which form the boundary of a joint) in the wound did not significantly affect the outcome either.

Conclusion

• Overall, the study found that wounds in the pastern and foot region of horses treated with a phalangeal cast carried a good prognosis for soundness and cosmetic healing, with success rates of 89.4% and 89.5% respectively.
• These casts were generally well-tolerated by the horses, suggesting their effectiveness in treating such injuries.