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Casting and Splinting in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/07/2016Updated: 11/04/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Casting and Splinting?
Casts are a form of external immobilization, custom-made to conform to the injured extremity of the canine. The casts lie in close contact with the skin, made of several layers of padding and plaster. However, other materials may be used to create a cast, including polyurethane-impregnated cotton-polyester, fiberglass, or thermal plastics.
A splint is a rigid material used to aid in immobilization and support of a not yet set bone. The same materials used to construct casts can be used in splint creation, but thermal plastic is commonly used as it possesses the ability for reuse. Ready-made splints of aluminum or plastic are also commonly used for fractures, and are easily applied.
Casting and Splinting Procedure in Dogs
Casting
Casting is conducted using aseptic technique, meaning the method used to complete a cast is designed to prevent microorganism contamination. The dog may be anesthetized and the affected area may be shaved prior to the procedure.
The following describes casting technique used on a foreleg fracture:
- The dog is placed in lateral recumbency (lying on the side) with the injured extremity facing down.
- A stirrup is created as tape is applied to the ventral and dorsal aspects of the foot. The leg is elevated and supported to maintain the elevated position for casting.
- A stockinette bandage may be applied if deemed necessary.
- Padding is applied to the elevated leg. Padding underneath the cast consists of layers that are wound tightly around the leg, starting from the distal to proximal aspects of the leg. Several layers will be applied.
- The cast material is rolled around the leg, from distal to proximal limb aspects, overlapping itself on each encirclement. Several layers may be applied.
- Wet plaster is then placed atop of the casting material and conformed to the unique shape of the leg. A slight flexion is placed in the plaster on the carpus to prevent a valgus deformity as the bone heals.
- Visible padding at both ends of the cast are turned downward and taped over the stirrup to aid in position maintenance of the cast.
- Plaster will take several hours to dry, therefore, the canine will be hospitalized overnight prior to release.
Splinting
Splints are not total encircling devices, but aid in early immobilization when a fracture is accompanied by a great deal of swelling.
In splinting of a foreleg fracture, strips of plaster run down the cranial and caudal aspects, bound together by a tape or elastic gauze. Splint material is chosen according to the size of the dog and length of the limb. The strips are laid on the dressing table and plaster is made wet.
- The wet strips are placed on the affected leg, starting from the toe to the elbow.
- Uniform distance is maintained between the cranial and caudal aspects, then gauze is wrapped in a circular motion around the plaster.
- The splint is flexed to conform to the natural bend in the extremity and tape is applied for security.
Efficacy of Casting and Splinting in Dogs
Surgically treated fractures will heal approximately 97% of the time without complications of serious nature. The rate of healing can be as low as 50% to 95% depending on whether or not the canine is experiencing secondary complications (swelling, infection). Casting and splinting conducted by a veterinary or orthopedic veterinary profession will result in permanent fixation of the affected skeleton.
Casting and Splinting Recovery in Dogs
Pain medication is the norm for send-home drug therapy after a casting or splinting endeavor. However, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed in cases of secondary damage caused by the injury (swelling or infection).
The at-home care provided by the pet owner accounts for approximately 50% of recovery. Limbs that have been casted must be checked twice daily for effective circulation. Cold, swollen, or blue tinged toes indicate a problem and must be addressed immediately. The cast must stay impeccably clean and dry, to prevent infection. Dirty, damp or odorous casts must be changed immediately.
Check-ups with the veterinarian and total recovery time lies dependent on the injury type. Several months of recovery time are to be expected.
Cost of Casting and Splinting in Dogs
Casting and splinting can be an expensive, yet highly effective treatment for fracture or breaks. It is often an available 'back up option' when surgery is not affordable or possible for whatever reason.The average cost to cast or splint an extremity is approximately $2,000, but total body casts can average up to $5,000. Ask your veterinarian about the price deemed appropriate, as prices vary depending on the condition and veterinarian.
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Dog Casting and Splinting Considerations
The risks of using a cast or splint are limited in the veterinary clinic, as most risks are present at home. Improper care can pose a risk of infection, loss of circulation, necrotic tissues and delayed healing time. If the extremity was casted properly, the benefits reach the treatment goal of fixating the fractured or broken limb.
Casting and Splinting Prevention in Dogs
The need of casting or splinting for dogs can be prevented by taking basic safety measures. Fenced in yards, the use of a leash and keeping an eye on your dog will prevent the majority of skeletal injuries from occurring. Blunt force traumas, hit-by-car accidents, falls, and fights are the most commonly reported causes of casting needs.
Casting and Splinting Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Yorkshire Terrier
Latke
11 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My dog Latke injured his back leg jumping from the sofa . The vet put a splint for 10 days and the took it yesterday . He put his leg in the floor but sometimes he limps again . He didn’t have a fracture . How many days after taking the splint he’ll be walking fine . He was taking Loxicom . Thanks
May 27, 2018
0 Recommendations
There isn’t a set number of days until complete recover since each injury is different; the specific site of the injury (joint, ligament etc…) and the severity will determine the overall recovery. You should ensure that Latke is rested and doesn’t run or jump which may delay his recovery time. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 28, 2018
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Welsh Corgi
Dolce
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Pain
Limping
Lifted Leg
My one year old corgi has a broken p3 bone on his weight bearing left back toe. At first the vet said that there was no need for a splint or bandage and this usually heals on its own. However, I wasnt convinced and got a second opnion. The second vet gave her a splint and wrapped her foot in a splint and stretchable wrapping. The vet warned me that it wouldnt stay on because my dog will most likely take it off. He was correct and my dog takes off his splint at least twice daily. I have been rewrapping her foot myself and had the vet rewrap once yesterday. I just recreated what I saw my vet do, but I am not sure if I am doing it properly. One vet said that I did not need a splint and the other said I did. I did notice a bit of swelling after the vet rewrapped yesterday as my dog took off the splint this morning. She seems to be limping and holding her foot up everytime she walks. I restrict her activity, but she walks around for a few minutes a day. What should I do? Is it right for me to keep rewrapping her splint? Is it best to take it off all together? I cant keep going to the vet everytime she takes it off because its multiple times a day. Will my dogs toe heal properaly without a splint? How long should I keep the splint on for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
May 9, 2018
0 Recommendations
It would be best to splint if the toe is weight bearing, however some dogs will just continue to remove any splint and dressing placed on them; but you cannot put it on tighter as it would restrict blood flow to the paw which would lead to pawing. It may be worth (I know it isn’t pleasant) but think about having it redone by your Veterinarian and placing a cone on Dolce to prevent any biting of the dressing as well as restricting movement for a few weeks. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 10, 2018
I just found out today that Dolce has a sore on her paw from the splint and the vet recommended that we just take the splint off all together. He said that if Dolce isnt in any pain it should be fine. We did put a cone on her, but she found that shaking her leg will help the splint loosen and slip and after a while fall off. Should I still continue to splint it? Is it true that the splint wont do much?
May 10, 2018
Dolce's Owner
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Yorkshire Terrier
Coco
3 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Break
Hi there.
My dog yorkie 3 years old broke her right front leg,both the radius and ulna.
She has been put in a temporary cast and will be seen by a specialist by the end of the week.
My question is that, is there a huge risk in getting a cast instead of surgery(as we cannot afford)??
As i have read that there may be deformities.
Thank you
May 6, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Whether Coco can have a cast or surgery depends on the severity of the break. Some dogs heal very well with a splint or cast, and the downsides to that treatment are that it is is higher maintenance (the cast needs to be rechecked very frequently to make sure that there aren't any problems developing with it) and the bones may not heal perfectly. It would be a good idea to see the specialist, let them know that you would prefer a less expensive alternative, and get their opinion on how she would do with a splint or cast vs. surgical repair. They'll be able to give you all options, as they can see her, and the x-rays.
May 6, 2018
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German Shepherd
Subr
1 Year
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1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hurt Leg
My dog broke his front left arm about 2 months ago. We've been in both splints and casts for the last 2 months, my dog had a problem keeping his cast on as it kept falling off his arm. The doctors did follow up radiographs and saw that his radius bones had formed the proper callus for support and his Ulna was forming fibrous bone so they said it would be beneficial for us to go without the cast to help the healing process by applying slight pressure to the bone. My dog has been kennel rested for the last two months strictly except for to go potty. He's been doing fine without the cast with applying pressure on his leg and walking however we're now three weeks out.. the suggested time from our vet and I just noticed on his last potty outing he's choosing to lift his leg now and put less pressure on it than he's been doing. He doesn't seem in pain at all and he still walks on it but I noticed he's applying less pressure. Does anyone have suggestions?
May 2, 2018
1 Recommendations
This is something to keep an eye on since during recovery, some days may be more painful or uncomfortable than others; if you notice that he is keeping his leg held up for a few days and not a one off you should return to your Veterinarian for another examination and possibly an x-ray to ensure that everything is healing as expected. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 3, 2018
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Labrador Husky
Jax
5 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My dog was excited to go for a walk and turn the corner of my kitchen while running and slipped, he let out a loud cry and wasn’t able to put any pressure on his paw. Today he’s able to put a little pressure on it but still limps. He doesn’t have any swelling but limps and cries when you grab his paw.
April 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
It is hard to say what Jax may have done to his paw, whether it is a minor strain or sprain, or whether he has a hairline fracture. If he does not continue to improve, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can assess his foot and take an x-ray if needed. I hope that he is okay!
April 28, 2018
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