Introduction

• Immobilization of wound may improve healing.

Uses

• Protect wound.
• Limit movement at wound edges.
• Relieve tension on sutures.
• Decrease exuberant granulation tissue formation.
• Provide a moist environment for faster epithelialization.

Advantages

• Faster and better quality healing.

Disadvantages

• Casts may crack or loosen.
• Pressure sores or rubs.
• Osteopenia.
• Articular cartilage atrophy.
• Tendon and ligament weakness.
• Soft tissue fibrosis or stiffness leading to decrease range of motion.
• Animals in full limb casts require hospitalization.

Requirements

Preparation

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Depends on underlying condition and reason for immobilization.

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Kamus L J, Theoret C & Costa M C (2018) Use of next generation sequencing to investigate the microbiota of experimentally induced wounds and the effect of bandaging in horses. PLoS One 13 (11), e0206989 PubMed. 
• Canada N C, Beard W L, Guyan M E & White B J (2018) Effect of bandaging techniques on sub-bandage pressures in the equine distal limb, carpus, and tarsus. Vet Surg 47 (5), 640-647 PubMed.
• Eggleston R B (2018) Equine wound management: Bandages, casts, and external support. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 34 (3), 557-574 PubMed.
• Maher M & Kuebelbeck L (2018) Nonhealing wounds of the equine limb. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 34 (3), 539-555 PubMed.
• Canada N C, Beard W L, Guyan M E & White B J (2017) Measurement of distal limb sub-bandage pressure over 96 hours in horses. Equine Vet J 49 (3), 329-333 PubMed. 
• Lutter J D, Cary J A, Stephens R R & Potts L B (2015) Relative stiffness of 3 bandage/splint constructs for stabilization of equine midmetacarpal fractures. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 25 (3), 379-387 PubMed.
• Milne S D & Connolly P (2014) The influence of different dressings on the pH of the wound environment. J Wound Care 23 (2), 53-57 PubMed. 

Other sources of information

• Bischofberger A S (2019) Drains, Bandages, and External Coaptation. In: Equine Surgery. 5th edn. Eds: Auer J & Stick J. Saunders, USA. pp 280-300.
• Elce Y A (2017) Bandaging and Casting Techniques for Wound Management. In: Equine Wound Management. 3rd edn. Eds: Theoret C & Schumacher. Wiley Blackwell, USA. pp 132-156.