BOS Cow Large Leg Splint Kit (Orange)

This valuable
product is used in cases of calving paralysis which commonly cause
knuckling-under of one, or sometimes both, hind legs. Generally, application of
the BOS (Bovine Orthopaedic Splint) splint will allow the animal normal
mobility almost immediately after application.

The BOS splint is moulded from ABS plastic to conform to the
shape of a cow’s leg. It is lined with closed-cell foam for comfort and is
applied to the back of the hind leg, using the elastic adhesive bandage
supplied. The BOS splint is best suited to treating cows with paralysis in one
hind leg. It can also be used to treat a cow with a severed extensor tendon. It
assists a cow to walk without falling, enabling faster recovery. The cow can
generally rejoin the herd immediately.

The BOS splint is
simply applied to the back of the leg using the special adhesive elastic
bandage included in the kit. The splint bottom should be at ground level. Be
sure to note ‘TOP’ marking on splint. Three sizes available:

• Small 47cm (blue) – suitable for Jersey
  or smaller Friesian cows
• Large 51cm (orange) – suitable for
  Friesian or Holstein cows
• XLarge 56cm (lilac) – suitable for very
  large Holstein (northern hemisphere breeds).

Leave the splint in
place from 4-7 days, depending on the severity of the condition. In all cases
the splint can be moulded somewhat to the individually required shape by use of
a heat gun or hair dryer.

Supplied with 3.5m
roll of 7.5cm elastic adhesive for secure application. The BOS splint can
be reused with a new bandage 207513.

Note:
Administration of anti-inflammatories at initial splint application may also be
beneficial. Consult your veterinarian.

Calving Paralysis

Calving paralysis is damage to the nerves supplying the
muscles of the hind limb. It can be caused by a large calf or a prolonged or
difficult delivery. Most commonly only one leg is affected, but in some cases
both hind legs can be paralysed. The symptoms range from slight knuckling of
the fetlock joint to complete paralysis of both hind limbs and the cow unable
to rise. Research has shown that 25% of all cases of cows with calving
paralysis, fall and break a leg or rupture ligaments when they try to walk.