Types of Fracture Splints for Equines

A major leg fracture is one of the most serious injuries a horse can suffer. As recently as 2007, an ankle fracture and ensuing complications killed Barbaro, winner of that year's Kentucky Derby. Even minor fractures, such as damage to the vestigial toe bones in a horse's lower legs, cause pain, swelling and lameness and leave blemishes called splints. Successfully treating bone fractures in horses requires expert veterinary care.

  1. First Aid

    • The goal of first aid for a horse with a broken leg is stabilization with splinting. This reduces pain by keeping the bone fragments from moving and damaging tissues, and reduces the animal's anxiety by allowing it to control the splinted leg and use it for balance. To be effective, the splint must immobilize the joints above and below the fracture.

    Robert Jones Bandage

    • The Robert Jones bandage consists of multiple layers of soft padding supported by rigid material such as wood slats or PVC pipe. Veterinarians put the padding next to the skin, followed by a splint on the side of the leg and one on the front or back to stop the joints bending, then more padding. Veterinarians repeat these layers until they secure the support.

    Leg-Saver Splint

    • Leg-saver splints are aluminum splints lined with foam that a veterinarian usually provides. The veterinarian can use such splints alone or apply them over a fiberglass cast. The bottom of the splint is a hoof receiver and the splint can go as high on the leg as needed, up to the shoulder. They fasten with neoprene straps and hook-and-loop closures. Leg-saver splints are available for the front or back leg, and in sizes and configurations to fit various breeds of horse.

    Prevention

    • One method of reducing the danger of fractures is by using horse boots appropriate to the horse's activity. Properly fitted and applied boots act as splints to protect the horse's legs from strain. Horse boots support the horse's muscles and tendons and prevent accidental injuries, for example, the horse hitting its legs against obstacles, or striking its own front legs with its rear ones.