@article{671415,
  abstract     = {Reasons for performing stud-v: There is a lack of evidence-based data on the prevalence, outcome and risk factors of distal limb cast sores, and no objective tool has been described for the early detection of cast sores.
Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, location, outcome and risk factors of cast sores after application of a distal limb cast and to determine whether static thermography of the cast is a valuable tool for the assessment of sores.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted on horses treated with a distal limb cast. At each cast removal, cast sores were graded as superficial sores (SS), deep dermal sores (DS) or full thickness skin ulcerations (FS). In several cases, a thermographic evaluation of the cast was performed immediately prior to removal and differences in temperature (Delta T) between the coolest point of the cast and 2 cast regions predisposed for sore development (dorsoproximal mc/mtIII and palmar/plantar fetlock) were calculated.
Results: Mean +/- s.d. total casting time of 70 horses was 31 +/- 18 days. Overall, 57 legs (81%) developed at least SS. Twenty-four legs (34%) ultimately developed DS and one horse had an FS. Multivariable analysis showed that the severity of sores was positively associated with increasing age (OR: 1.111, P = 0.028), a normal (vs. swollen) limb (OR: 3.387, P = 0.023) and an increase in total casting time (OR per week: 1.363, P = 0.002). The thermographic evaluation (35 casts) revealed that the severity of sores was positively associated with increasing Delta T (OR: 2.100, P = 0.000-5). The optimal cut-off values for the presence of SS and DS were set at, respectively, Delta T = 2.3 and 4.3 degrees C.
Conclusion and potential relevance: Distal limb cast is a safe coaptation technique with increasing risk of developing sores with time. Thermography is a valuable and rapid clinical tool to monitor the development of cast sores.},
  author       = {Levet, Tamara and Martens, Ann and Devisscher, Lindsey and Duchateau, Luc and Bogaert, Lies and Vlaminck, Lieven},
  issn         = {0425-1644},
  journal      = {EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL},
  keywords     = {IN-VITRO,BONE,IMMOBILIZATION,INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT ARTHRODESIS,thermographic detection,risk factors,cast sores,distal limb,horse},
  language     = {eng},
  number       = {1},
  pages        = {18--23},
  title        = {Distal limb cast sores in horses : risk factors and early detection using thermography},
  url          = {http://dx.doi.org/10.2746/042516408X343046},
  volume       = {41},
  year         = {2009},
}

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