STORAGE: VetGlas tape is individually packaged in foil pouches. Care should be taken to prevent punctures and the premature hardening of the product that results. It should be stored in a cool dry location. As temperatures increase, there will be a corresponding decrease in shelf life. Excessive tackiness during application is evidence of this. For best results, rotate stock.

DESCRIPTION: VetGlas tape consists of a knitted fibreglass substrate that has been impregnated with a water activated polyurethane resin system. Exposure to any moisture, including ambient humidity, will cause the tape to harden. The setting time for this product is approximately 4 minutes and may be weight bearing 20 minutes after setting. The product is easy to apply and completed casts are strong, porous, lightweight and durable.

INDICATIONS: VetGlas tape is designed for use in general and specific orthopaedic applications where rigid external immobilisation is necessary. This includes: the stabilisation of fractures, sprains, strains; splinting and serial casting.

PRECAUTIONS: VetGlas Tape will release heat during the setting process as do most casting materials. If so desired, the cast can be drenched with cold water to facilitate cooling. Care should be taken to avoid possible burns. The use of water above 80°F for the immersion of the product may result in a higher temperature. Wrapping a freshly applied cast with an elastic bandage, covering it or restricting air circulation to the cast in any way can also result in higher temperature.

N.B. The polyurethane resin system will bond firmly to unprotected skin, hair and clothing. Padding and bandage should be used over the cast application area and gloves should be used when handling the tape. Caution should be exercised to prevent the polymer from contacting the patient's skin or hair. If this should occur, blotting it with alcohol or acetone before the polymer cures may help to remove the polymer.

Finished casts of tape are water resistant but should be kept as dry as possible. Abraded, broken or otherwise compromised skin under the cast will require extra protection in the form of padding, bandage or dressings. It is recommended that owners should be instructed in how to dry casts and the consequences of not drying it. The recommended technique is to blot the cast dry with a towel and then to use a hair dryer at a comfortable temperature setting on and around the cast. The time it takes to dry will vary depending on the type and size of the cast and climatic conditions. Activities should be avoided that could introduce contaminants such as sand, chlorine, (swimming pools), dirt, grease or soap into the cast. These contaminants may remain as skin irritants.

Instructions for use

1. Apply any wound dressings necessary and then the padding* and bandage in the usual manner, ensuring that any bony 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.

2. A length of old Giving Set tubing with 'Gigli' 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 to be used.

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

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

5. Immerse the roll in 70-75°F water and squeeze lightly 3-4 times. Do not squeeze the roll after it has been removed from the water to express "excess" water. Cooler water temperatures and not squeezing at all lengthen the set time. Warmer water temperatures and more squeezing (5-8 times) will shorten the set time, however, higher temperatures during curing may also be noted above 80°F water temperature.

6. Construct the cast by wrapping in spiral motions, overlapping the previous wrap by half. Exercise caution to assure that the tape is not being applied too tightly. The fibreglass 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.

7. Firmly blot the cast to ensure maximum bonding. Moulding of the cast is best accomplished when the material is beginning to solidify. Thirty to sixty seconds of continuous moulding will give best end result. Covering the cast with bandage should not be necessary, but if desired, should not be done until the cast has fully cured and is dry.