Splint and Cast Care

If your cat has had a splint or cast applied at our hospital, please read the following information on splint and cast care:

The healing of a broken bone takes from six to eight weeks under optimal conditions. Any movement of the fracture site will inhibit this healing or may even prevent it completely. Fractures can be reduced and stabilised by performing either a closed reduction or an open reduction. A closed reduction involves applying a cast or splint to help immobilise the bone so that it can undergo the process of healing.

Splints can also be applied to stabilise a limb after a soft tissue injury such as a ligament or tendon injury.

Your cat will need to be under general anaesthesia while we apply the cast or splint, this is to prevent causing them any pain while we manipulate the bones, and also so there is no movement while the cast is setting.

COMMON PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CASTS AND SPLINTS

Water

It is of vital importance that your cat’s cast or bandage is kept dry. If it is allowed to become wet it can cause severe damage to the underlying skin. Water will also cause plaster-of-Paris casts to collapse, which will in turn cause instability of the fracture.

To prevent water being a problem:

  • Keep your cat confined indoors to a small room
  • If you cannot keep your cat indoors, you will need to put a plastic bag on the cast or bandage when they go outside.
  • Don’t let your cat walk on wet grass
  • Don’t let your cat lick the cast or bandage, if they do lick or chew at it you may need to put an Elizabethan collar on their head
  • Try to avoid your cat urinating on the cast or bandage.
  • Do not bath your cat

Rubbing

Rubbing can occur anywhere underneath the cast or bandage. The top and the bottom of the cast or bandage should be checked daily for rub sores. You should also check for any redness or swelling. Keeping your cat quiet and confined can help reduce rub sores. If your cat has not been worried by the cast or bandage after application but suddenly starts chewing or licking at it then it is likely there is a sore developing. If this happens, it is very important that you bring him/her into the hospital to prevent further damage.

To reduce the chance of rubbing being a problem:

  • Keep your cat as quiet as possible, ideally confined
  • Keep your cat away from sandy and wet areas

Slipping

If the cast or bandage looks like it is beginning to slip then you need to return your cat back to the hospital so the cast or splint can be checked by the veterinarian. This is important because if it has slipped then it will not be providing adequate support to the fracture or injury. To check for slipping check how much toe is present when you first take your cat home; if the toes disappear then the cast or bandage has probably slipped.

Growing/Young Animals:

Young cats that are still growing will need to have their casts or splints changed more frequently to ensure they do not grow out of them. This means they will need more regular check-ups.

In Summary we recommend:

  1. Ensure the cast or bandage is kept completely dry
  2. Confine your cat to a small area indoors (e.g. the laundry)
  3. Check for signs of swelling, slipping or bad odour at least once daily
  4. It is very important that you return to us for all the rechecks as recommended by your vet. If there is any damage to the cast or bandage, or your cat appears uncomfortable, or you notice an unpleasant smell coming from the cast or bandage then they need to be checked by a vet immediately.

Good luck with the management of your cat’s cast or splint. The chance of a successful outcome and a healed injury will depend largely on your ability to keep you cat quiet and while we realise this may be difficult to maintain, it will mean a good result is more likely.

If you have any concerns at all do not hesitate to call the hospital.

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