Stall specifications
To support a horse in a sling , without a PM Horse Swinglifter TM , the stall will require a weight-tested beam with a hoist installed , capable of loading up to 2 tonnes . The beam should be able to withstand the forces associated with a horse lunging or jumping while in the sling ( Ishihara et al ., 2006 ). The supporting beam should be at a height of at least 12 feet ( 3.66 m ) ( Ishihara et al ., 2006 ). An electronic hoist control is preferable to a manual hoist , for more efficient control ( Ishihara et al ., 2006 ). The stall bedding should be at least 25 cm deep to provide ample foot support ( Floyd & Taylor , 2017 ). Adequate overhead lighting should be in place for monitoring the patient and for positive mental stimulation ( Floyd & Taylor , 2017 ) ( Figure 1 , previous page ). It is important to maintain an appropriate ambient temperature for the horse , using fans or heat lamps as required ( Figure 3 ). The use of fans helps to help maintain ventilation through the stall ( Floyd & Taylor , 2017 ). Padded walls and floors can provide an additional safety measure , in case the patient struggles while in the sling ( Figure 1 , previous page ). For patients receiving fluid therapy via an overhead hanger , the sling support frame should be anchored to wall rings to prevent it interfering with intravenous fluid lines .
nearby in case the horse panics . Thereafter , CCTV allows continuous monitoring from a distance , for the ongoing safety of the horse ( Figure 1 , previous page ).
Application of the ASSD on a standing horse ( Ishihara et al ., 2006 )
1 . If the patient is recumbent and calm , do not encourage or force it to stand until just before sling application . If applying the sling in the stall post-surgery , ensure the stall and sling are prepared prior to moving the horse from the recovery stall .
2 . Prepare the sling outside the patient ' s stall by laying the pieces on the ground , straightening the straps and checking all buckles are secure .
3 . Ensure all assistants understand the application process and assign roles to individuals .
4 . To safely and efficiently apply the sling , a team of six assistants is optimum .
5 . Apply the rectangular frame to the hoist before the application of the sling to the horse .
6 . Raise the frame so the patient does not injure itself on it when standing .
7 . Once the horse is standing , apply the body piece first .
8 . The three centre straps should be securely fastened , over the horse ' s back , first .
9 . The coloured buckles should be attached temporarily , across the horse ' s back , to their opposing twin buckle on the other side .
Figure 3 . Maintain an appropriate ambient temperature for the horse using fans ( indicated by arrow ) or heat lamps .
Application of the sling
The use of a sling for the long-term management of a horse is largely dependent on the horse ' s temperament and tolerance of the sling ( Furr , 2008 ). Fractious or intolerant patients can cause serious injury to themselves and personnel while being placed in the sling , and must be handled by experienced staff ( Pusterla & Madigan , 2006 ). Sedation of the patient is advised , at least initially , until it settles and becomes accustomed to the noise of the hoist and the feeling of the sling ( Hamm et al ., 1995 ; LeBlanc , 1991 ; Taylor et al ., 2005 ). Close monitoring is required in the first 12 – 24 hours , until the horse becomes comfortable with the sling ( Bowman , 1995 ) Personnel should remain
10 . The chest panel and rear support are to be attached to the body piece , following the colour-coded buckle system .
11 . The frame can then be lowered and all the overhead colour-coded buckles attached to the frame in a methodical and synchronised fashion on both sides .
12 . Adjust all the straps to achieve even pressure . 13 . Slowly raise the frame to apply gentle tension .
14 . Further suspension can then be applied , slowly and gently , to avoid stressing the patient .
The sling can also be applied to the recumbent patient . However , this requires the horse to be rolled into dorsal recumbency to pass straps through the underside ( Ishihara et al ., 2006 ). This is dangerous in a nonanaesthetised patient , requiring the limbs to be tied and
36 Veterinary Nursing Journal