Use of the Thomas splint and cast combination, walker splint, and spica bandage with an over the shoulder splint for the treatment of fractures of the upper limbs in cattle.

Abstract

Many tibial and radial-ulnar fractures in cattle and small ruminants may be treated successfully with Thomas splint and cast combinations (TSCC). The Walker splint has been specifically designed for treating tibial fractures and stifle injuries in cattle.It usually fits better in rear limbs of cattle than the TSCC and thus can provide more stability. Spica bandages combined with lateral splints placed over the dorsum of the affected limb and down the contralateral shoulder may be used for partial immobilization of humeral fractures in calves and small ruminants when surgical repair is not an option.