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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
mix terrier
Chapo
7 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
Hello all,
My boy (7-8 years old) broke his toe (left fifth metacarpal) 8 weeks ago. He was in splint bandages for 8 weeks. Yesterday, we took it off and the doctor said it looked like it's healed from the x rays but this morning we got a call saying that the radiologist saw a "mild malunion with unknown clinical significance". We were also told the bone is healing but not fully healed. So, he's back in splint bandages for 4 more weeks now.
The vet said, most likely it won't affect his walk due to the location of the broken bone (toe, not a major bone) but the vet wanted me to prepare me for the worst scenario.
How will this affect my dog;s walk? What are the chances of this causing him a permanent limp?
April 17, 2018
0 Recommendations
The malunion was referred by the Radiologist of having unknown significance, I cannot comment on the severity or possible issues which may occur from this due to a lack of information. Your Veterinarian would be able to tell you more. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 18, 2018
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Hound
luna
9 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Panting, Limping
My dog (9 yr old hound, 65 lbs) was running loose in a field and either tripped or stepped in a hole. Her ankle has been swollen since then, though less so each day. We took her to the vet who suggested we bring her back to be splinted if things didn't improve within a week. We've kept her at very limited movement and she does better for a few days and then moves too much and strains it again. I don't have the money to splint her and I am wondering if purchasing a dog splint (hard plastic with velcro) would be a wise alternative. Thank you.
March 29, 2018
0 Recommendations
I can only recommend rest as I cannot assure you that the specific splint you buy will be suitable or not as some rub on the skin and may cause other issues; movement restriction is best using a crate or small room to prevent bursts of energy. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 29, 2018
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Puggle
Ellie
3 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Splinter
Fractured
My dog fructured his front paw and has been on a splint for about 2 weeks now. She is 3 months old so she is super active. She has been crate rest for the last 2 weeks . I’m wondering if she can start walking around the house yet or will have to crate rest for the rest of the treatment.
March 28, 2018
0 Recommendations
You should keep Ellie rested as much as possible, I don’t know the type of fracture or severity so I cannot tell you to start walking her around and exercising but two weeks is a little soon. If you have questions you should call your Veterinarian for instructions. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 29, 2018
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chihuahua mix
Bella
9 Months
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mild Swelling
Bella was brought to me by my neighbor’s son who told me that she was in his house & when called to go down the stairs she midway tripped & fell down the rest. She was limping when I brought her in & quickly just sat down. There’s a possibility that her back knee is either broken or fractured from what i researched but of course I’m not entirely sure. I just rapped it lightly just so that she doesn’t put pressure on it but I’m not sure what to do. Getting a cast is expensive & don’t have that kind of money right now, is there anything else I can do for her?
March 28, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Bella I cannot determine if she has sprained, dislocated or fractured something; this would be something to visit your Veterinarian about especially if you believe that there is a fracture. Your Veterinarian may take an x-ray as part of their examination of Bella. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 28, 2018
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Mix
Nova
13 Months
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
I wrapped my dogs leg because he wouldnt walk on it and I dont have money for the vet. His leg was swollen so I wrapped it. I feel heat coming from the wrap. How can I tell if I wrapped it correctly?
Jan. 4, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without seeing him, I cannot tell if the wrap is wrapped well or not. I can tell you that i have seen dogs lose limbs due to badly wrapped legs. It would be best to have him seen by your veterinarian, find out why he isn't walking and what can be done, and have appropriate care gicen to your dog. There are many veteirnary clinics that offer a 'free first exam', and most clinics offer careCredit finding. No veterinarian wants to see Nova suffer, and the consequences of a badly wrapped leg can be much worse than a veterinary visit. I would highly suggest going to see a veterinarian, and taking off the wrap, as soon as possible.
Jan. 5, 2018
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