How to use Vetglas

Finely woven fabric in tape form, of super-strong pliable fiberglass strands, as a carrier base for impregnated water-activated synthetic resin.

(click and swipe left)

Step 1

Apply any wound dressings necessary and then the padding* and bandage in the usual manner, ensuring that any boney protuberances and areas adjacent to the cast edges are given extra protection to avoid pressure sores. Be sure that the entire cast area is covered.

*A synthetic padding material, such as Orthoband™, should be used instead of cotton wool so as to allow any excess moisture to pass through the padding and maintain a comfortable layer between the cast and the patient.

Step 2

Wear gloves to prevent hands from direct contact with uncured polymer. If the uncured polymer comes in to contact with skin, blot with alcohol or acetone. Cured polymer should flake off after several days.

Step 3

Select the appropriate size of tape and open the pouch. Do not open more than one pouch at a time.

Step 4

Immerse the roll in 70-75°F (21 – 23°C) water and squeeze lightly 3-4 times. Do not squeeze the roll after it has been removed from the water to extract excess water. Cooler water temperatures and not squeezing at all lengthen the setting time. However, higher temperatures during 'curing' may also be noted above 80°F (27°C) water temperature.

Step 5

A length of old tubing from an IV. Fluid Administration Set with pliable wire inside, laid along the length of the area to be cast will facilitate removal of the cast at a later stage. Alternatively, the tubing can provide a handy guide and channel for an oscillating saw or plaster shears.

Construct the cast by wrapping in spiral motions, overlapping the previous wrap by half. Exercise caution to assure that the Vetglas Tape is not being applied too tightly. The fiberglass substrate stretches in several directions and can reduce the need to twist, tuck or fold the material for a proper fit. Turn the edges of the top and bottom of the cast outwards so as to form a rounded lip. This will help reduce the possibility of chafing to the adjacent body tissue.

Step 6

Firmly blot the cast to ensure maximum bonding. Molding of the cast is best accomplished when the material is beginning to solidify. 30 to 60 seconds of continuous molding will give the best end result. Covering the cast with bandages should not be necessary, but if desired should not be done until the cast has fully cured and is dry.