DOI
https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v6i4.480Abstract
PICO question
In horses with acute laminitis, does cryotherapy of the distal limbs applied after onset of clinical signs lead to improved clinical outcomes compared to horses treated without cryotherapy?
Clinical bottom line
Category of research question
Treatment
The number and type of study designs reviewed
Four papers were critically appraised; there were three randomised, controlled trials, and one retrospective cohort study.
Strength of evidence
Weak
Outcomes reported
There were reduced histological changes and lamellar injury in limbs treated with cryotherapy in the randomised controlled trials and reduced clinical severity of laminitis in horses treated with cryotherapy in the retrospective cohort study.
Conclusion
In horses with acute laminitis there is weak evidence to suggest that cryotherapy of the distal limbs is an effective treatment option when applied following onset of clinical signs. Further randomised, controlled trials should be performed to assess clinical outcomes of cryotherapy in order to draw definitive conclusions.
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
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