The Equiplate System
Using 3D printing we have been able to develop a custom fitted pad that acts as a hospital plate for a horse but is far easier and quicker to fit than a conventional metal plate.
Additionally changing the dressing under the Equiplate's portal is far easier and quicker compared to conventional hospital plate designs. Measuring and fitting is straight forward and a hoof wall portal option is also available to protect dorsal hoof wall window surgical sites.
The Equiplate pad
The foundation of the Equiplate is the pad, made of a flexible rubber like plastic it is an ideal material, tough enough to withstand several shoeing cycles but easy to trim to fit and nail on through.
Its versatility is in the ability to place the portal site anywhere on the solar surface of the foot, allowing it to give access to and protect surgical sites where ever they are.
Hoof Wall Portal
The Hoof Wall Portal allows a dorsal hoof wall window-style surgical site to be protected and accessible. Dressing material can be changed quickly and easily without the need to lift the foot.
The Hoof Wall Portal is screwed into the dorsal hoof wall and protected from interference by a wedge that can be placed above it to prevent it from being dislodged.
Contingency Plan
Horses will be horses and surgery doesn't always go as hoped.
Although Plan-A is to place the Hoof Wall Portal on horizontally, if it gets knocked off and can't be re-attached due to the screw holes being damaged, the Plan B Portal can be used, it is contoured to the foot the same, but rotated 45 degrees so that the screw holes will be into fresh, undamaged hoof wall.
Adaptable to Your Needs
Not only can the portals be placed where you need them but their size can be changed too. For the Hoof Wall Portal we offer a standard 30mm diameter portal, but also a larger 40mm diameter portal should the need arise.
Made to Measure
To ensure the surgical sites stay well protected and the Equiplate system fits well we ask for a series of simple measurements to get things right. For Hoof Wall Portals, we can provide a measuring tool to reference the curve of the hoof wall accurately so that we can make sure the Hoof Wall Portal fits just right.
The System
We provide the Equiplate system in two versions, one to cover just a solar site and the other to cover a dorsal hoof wall portal too. Both come with spare portal plugs and the two-ended key which allows you to unscrew the portal plugs with minimal effort. The larger kit also includes the Plan-B portal.