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- Title
Evaluation of a new full-body animal rescue and transportation sling in horses: 181 horses (1998–2006).
- Authors
Fürst, Anton E.; Keller, Ruedi; Kummer, Martin; Manera, Celine; von Salis, Björn; Auer, Jörg; Bettschart-Wolfensberger, Regula
- Abstract
Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the Animal Rescue and Transportation Sling (ARTS) for emergency and clinical use in horses. Design A retrospective study of the use of the ARTS in the hospital and field. Setting The medical records of 158 horses referred to the Equine Hospital, University of Zurich, and 23 records from the Large Animal Rescue. Animals The ARTS was used in 121 standing and 60 recumbent horses. Seventy-eight horses were sedated, 47 patients were under general anesthesia when the sling was applied and no sedation or anesthesia was required in 56 horses. Interventions and Main Results The ARTS was applied in crane and helicopter rescue operations to stabilize horses that required lifting ( n=41), during emergency transportation ( n=24), to facilitate induction of general anesthesia ( n=4) or recovery from general anesthesia ( n=51). Additionally, the sling was used to immobilize horses with fractures ( n=29), to reduce weight-bearing in horses with severe lameness ( n=12), to support horses with disorders of the CNS ( n=7), to help recumbent horses rise ( n=9), and to provide support for horses after repair of large abdominal hernias ( n=4). Acceptance of the ARTS by the horses was scored as excellent ( n=153), good ( n=19) and poor ( n=6), and the sling was not tolerated in 3 horses. Only after long-term use (weeks) did the skin over certain pressure points become irritated, resulting in superficial pressure sores. Conclusions The ARTS was reliable, safe, and easy to use. It proved to be ideal for a wide variety of emergencies.
- Subjects
HORSE equipment; ANIMAL immobilization; AIR transportation of animals; SLINGS &; hitches; ANIMAL rescue; EQUIPMENT &; supplies
- Publication
Journal of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care, 2008, Vol 18, Issue 6, p619
- ISSN
1479-3261
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1476-4431.2008.00366.x