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Evaluation of a new full‐body animal rescue and transportation sling in horses: 181 horses (1998–2006)
Author(s) -
Fürst Anton E.,
Keller Ruedi,
Kummer Martin,
Manera Celine,
Von Salis Björn,
Auer Jörg,
BettschartWolfensberger Regula
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of veterinary emergency and critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.886
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1476-4431
pISSN - 1479-3261
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2008.00366.x
Subject(s) - medicine , sling (weapon) , lameness , sedation , horse , surgery , anesthesia , biology , paleontology
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.