Healing of equine heel bulb lacerations: Evidence behind casting compared to bandaging alone

Julia Dubuc; Jonny Ruiz

doi:10.18849/ve.v5i2.255

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v5i2.255

Abstract

PICO question

In horses with heel bulb lacerations, does casting the distal limb compared to bandaging result in increased speed of healing and functional outcome?

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Treatment

The number and type of study designs reviewed

A single retrospective study was found to be relevant to the topic along with one case report and two case series, including one tutorial article

Strength of evidence

The majority of the current recommendations come from expert opinions, making the level of evidence low

Outcomes reported

There are currently insufficient data to compare the effect of foot/slipper casts versus bandaging alone on the rate of healing of equine heel bulb lacerations

Conclusion

Based on the information from these three publications, it is not possible to recommend the use of a foot cast over a bandage alone at this time

How to apply this evidence in practice

The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.

Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.

References

Booth, T. M. & Knottenbelt, D. C. Tutorial Article: Distal limb casts in equine wound management. Equine Veterinary Education; 1999. 11(5):273–280. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3292.1999.tb00962.x

Burba, D. J. Traumatic foot injuries in horses: surgical management. Compendium Continuing Education for Veterinarians; 2013. 35(1).

Celeste, C. J. & Szöke, M. O. Management of equine hoof injuries. Veterinary Clinics Equine Practice; 2005. 21:167-190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2004.11.009

Eggleston, R. B. Equine wound management bandages, casts, and external support. Veterinary Clinics Equine; 2018. 34:557–574. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2018.07.010

Janicek, J. C., Dabareiner, R. M., Honnas, C. M. & Crabill, M. A. Heel bulb lacerations in horses: 101 cases (1988–1994). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association; 2005. 226(3):418–423. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2005.226.418

Ketzner, K. M., Stewart, A. A., Byron, C. R., Stewart, M., Gaughan, E. M., Vanharreveld, P. D. & Lillich, J. D. Wounds of the pastern and foot region managed with phalangeal casts: 50 casesin 49 horses (1995–2006). Australian Veterinary Journal; 2009. 87 (9): 363–365. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2009.00471.x

Milner, P. Case history - heel bulb laceration in a horse. UK Vet: Companion Animal; 2008. 13(8):4-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-3862.2008.tb00519.x

O'Neill, H. & O'Meara, B. Diagnosis and treatment of penetrating injuries of the hoof in horses. In Practice; 2010. 32:484–490. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/inp.c6671

Smith, R. W. Bandages and casts. Equine Veterinary Education; 1993. 5:108–112. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3292.1993.tb01012.x

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Healing of equine heel bulb lacerations: Evidence behind casting compared to bandaging alone

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References

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