34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

For certain pelvic fractures, horses can be placed in a sling for the first month of conservative management to prevent recumbency and damage to the ilial artery. The aim of this case series is to describe complications that arise when managing horses with pelvic fractures in a sling and to evaluate the outcomes.

Methods:

Clinic records were reviewed from January 2016 until May 2024 for horses diagnosed with pelvic fractures that were maintained in a sling. Five horses were found to fit the selection criteria, of which four sustained their injury during a fall in the stable yard and one had an incident with a train. Ages ranged from 18 months to 21 years. One stallion, three mares and one gelding were included. Clinical and diagnostic imaging records were obtained.

Results:

The five horses had varying pelvic fractures diagnosed using radiography and ultrasonography. Two had displaced ilial shaft fractures. The other three horses had comminuted or displaced pelvic fractures. The most common complication (4/5 horses) was inability to rise without assistance at the end of hospitalisation. All horses developed pressure sores from the sling. Some horses displayed signs of colic during hospitalisation. Three horses survived to discharge. One horse was able to rise without assistance at the end of hospitalisation.

Conclusions:

Conservative management in a sling can be helpful for cases of displaced or comminutive pelvic fractures. Serious financial and emotional commitment from owners is necessary.