Hoof Cast — Immobilisation and protection for diseased and injured hooves
Duplo has set itself the long-term goal of offering a suitable hoof protection system for almost every horse and application.
A healthy and stable hoof is essential for a horse’s wellbeing and performance. However, injuries, abscesses or other conditions may require special treatment.
Therapeutic hoof care is highly versatile and often requires individual solutions. The use of cast bandages (so-called casting tape) in hoof protection offers flexibility for individual requirements. They can be used to provide temporary protection and support or as part of a more comprehensive hoof treatment. The application of a hoof cast requires professional expertise. General statements about when exactly a hoof cast should be used are difficult to make. In general, a hoof cast may be useful when immobilisation is required, meaning the hoof capsule must be completely stabilised and no nailed horseshoe can be applied.
The final decision for or against a hoof cast must always be made by a trained hoof care professional on site, ideally in cooperation with a veterinarian.
In cases where a protective and immobilising hoof bandage is required, Duplo Cast Hooks in combination with an alternative composite horseshoe and suitable casting tape can be a good solution.
Hoof Cast — cast system with cast hooks and casting tape — photos
The cast hooks allow an alternative horseshoe (composite shoe) to be fixed using a cast bandage.
Suitable screws are required to attach the cast hooks to the horseshoe.
The prepared alternative horseshoe for the cast system.
The cast system on the hoof before wrapping with casting bandage.
A synthetic fiberglass bandage is wrapped around the hoof over the cast hooks.
The finished cast system on the hoof. Make sure the coronary band and heel area remain free.
Application and safety instructions for cast systems
Duplo products are not intended to diagnose or cure diseases. A cast system can be used as supportive treatment. It is important that an experienced professional supervises the application and makes adjustments if necessary to ensure adequate protection and support for the hoof.
Please read and follow our safety instructions for all work with our products.
Hoof bandage using casting tape
Casting tape is a synthetic fiberglass support bandage impregnated with polyurethane resin. When exposed to water, it hardens within a short time. It is flexible, easy to apply and results in a rigid, extremely stable yet lightweight support bandage. It also offers good X-ray transparency, allowing monitoring of the healing process without frequent bandage changes.
In practice, situations often arise where both a hoof bandage and a horseshoe system are required. The cast bandage can be used:
- to create a purely synthetic hoof bandage for hoof injuries.
- to fix a composite shoe in combination with cast hooks. The hooks anchor into the bandage material for secure hold.
- to fix a traditional horseshoe to the hoof, e.g. by nailing through the cast.
The fiberglass support bandage hardens when exposed to water. Therefore, ensure the packaging remains intact, as exposure to air humidity can already trigger hardening. Cast systems are mainly used for therapeutic purposes.
Cast system with composite horseshoe and plastic-coated base plate
For a cast system you will need:
- A suitable composite horseshoe for the individual hoof situation. All Duplo models with a metal core are suitable.
- The required number of cast strips (each strip contains 9 hooks; usually 6 hooks per shoe are needed).
- Suitable screws. We recommend DIN 7982 / ISO 7050 4.2 mm x 19 mm countersunk screws.
- Casting tape (hoof bandage). Usually one roll per hoof is required.
Duration of application
One of the main advantages of the Duplo Hufcast system is that the weight-bearing surface is not covered by the bandage, which increases durability. However, the duration of use should not depend on the material’s resistance, but on the condition of the hoof.
The duration of use must always be determined in consultation with a qualified professional or veterinarian.
Step-by-step instructions: Hufcast with bandage, Crochets Résine and shoe
Preparation of the shoe for the Hufcast system
Select the model best suited to the individual situation of the horse. All shoes with a metal core from our range can be used for the Hufcast system. The currently available Crochets Résine are compatible with open-toe models; for standard models, manual adjustments may still be required from size 142 mm upwards.
Select the correct shape and size and fit the shoe precisely to the horse’s hoof. For more information, see “FAQ hoof fitting”. For a Hufcast application, we recommend removing all studs to achieve optimal fit.
Adjusting the alternative shoe using a grinder.
Alternative shoe with studs removed for Hufcast application.
Fixing the Crochets Résine
Insert the screw from the hoof side into a nail hole of the shoe, then place the Crochets Résine onto the screw from the ground-facing side.
Tighten the screw using a power drill until it is properly seated in the load-bearing area.
Grind off any protruding screw ends using an angle grinder. Always observe safety precautions due to possible sparks.
Mounting the Crochets Résine onto the shoe.
Grinding off excess screws.
Application of the Hufcast on the hoof
Once all Crochets Résine are fixed, position the system on the hoof. When correctly fitted, the shoe will stay in place by itself. Then wrap the hoof with the resin bandage like a hoof dressing.
Have a second person support the horse during application.
Wear gloves and ensure the hoof is clean and dry.
The coronary band and heel area must remain free!
Allow the system to fully harden.
Wrapping with the resin bandage.
Finished Hufcast on the hoof.
Removal of the Hufcast
Use a hook blade utility knife and follow all safety instructions. Carefully cut the resin bandage at the toe from top to bottom.
The system can then be removed by separating the bandage.
Cutting the resin bandage.
Hufcast system after removal.
Product characteristics
Model: Casting Tape — synthetic fibreglass support bandage
Alternative names: Cast bandage, Cast wrap, Fibreglass hoof bandage
Brand: Nobalite®
Function: Casting, hoof cast, hoof bandage, support bandage for hooves, hoof protection bandage, immobilisation, hoof protection
Application: Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Safety instructions can be found in our journal → Safety instructions
Width: 5cm and 7.5cm
Length: 3.6m
Required accessories: Gloves
Packaging unit: Set of 2 individually wrapped cast bandages
Volume discount: from 10 bandages per size (item number)
Price per pair (2 pieces).
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