Casting and Splinting in Cats

Splinting a limb or applying a cast to a body part are simple and effective ways to isolate and prevent the movement of an injured body part and to give it time to properly heal. Cats (and animals in general) are often fitted with splints or casts when certain injuries occur, as unlike humans, they do not understand the need to rest damaged body parts as they heal and as such require physical restraint to limit their range of motion.

To splint a limb, the vet will first apply a sedative or general anesthetic, depending on the cat's willingness to cooperate with the procedure. They will then properly align the ends of the broken bone and rest the splint alongside it. Next, they will secure the splint to the limb using straps which are tightened incrementally so as not to disturb the bone. If a cast is being applied, the vet will (after alignment) soak several layers of bandages in adhesive and press them together, smoothing out any air pockets and creases. Then they will wrap the broken limb in padding and wind the cast material around the outside, to prevent it from sticking directly to the cat’s hair or skin. Next, bandages are wrapped around the outside and the cast is left to dry.

If all goes well, the splint or cast will ensure a good standard of healing for the fractured bone. That said, due to the potential complications of this procedure, most vets will prefer a surgical option instead. Although more technically complex, by implanting screws and other metal structures to keep the bone in place, the vet can ensure that the cat will return to a semblance of its normal routine within a relatively short space of time. Internal fixation of the break will also ensure that there is no room for the bones to move out of alignment and heal incorrectly.

Following the procedure, owners will be required to keep a close eye on their cat. Not only will they have to restrict their cat's amount of exercise to avoid dislodging the bone, but they will also have to stay vigilant for the signs of potential complications. The vet will also most likely want to have regular follow-up appointments every few days in order to check the progress of the healing, look for signs of complications and replace the cast or splint if necessary. Whilst the healing time of younger cats can be quite short and they can be expected to be back to normal within as little as a few weeks. Older cats (who make up the majority of splint and cast users) can take as long as several months to fully heal. 

The price for applying a cast or splint to a cat can be surprisingly high, costing as much as $1,000 in some cases. The cost is, of course, dependent on several factors, including the age, overall health and medical history of the injured cat. On the other hand, alternative treatments such as internal fixation can be expected to cost just as much as a cast or splint.

Although splinting or casting a damaged limb can seem like the best option for many cats, owners should bear in mind that the procedure does not come without a certain level of risk. The most obvious factor in this regard is the impediment to motion caused by the procedure. Without their natural dexterity, cats can fall victim to any number of additional injuries from being unable to evade dangers, to becoming prone to falling when attempting to navigate around the house. A more serious problem is the risk of cell death due to constriction by the cast or the bindings of the splint. Many cats can have a negative reaction to the constant pressure exerted by casts and splints, resulting in swelling, chafing, infection and even gangrene. In extreme cases, this can even result in amputation of the affected body part. For this reason, owners should keep a very close watch over their pet should they decide to go ahead with this procedure.

By making sure their pets have a safe living environment and are not allowed to venture near to main roads, owners can mitigate much of the risk of broken bones. Conversely, this does not mean that the cat should be confined to the house, as allowing them to exercise freely will aid the development of strong, healthy bones and joints.