FR3039968A1 - ANIMAL SUSTAINING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an animal levitation device comprising an inflatable mattress (1) provided with holes (3,5) for the passage of the animal's feet, and a harness (51) intended to be mounted on the animal to be treated and connected to the inflatable mattress (1) by straps (41,43,45,47).

Description

ANIMAL SUSTAINING DEVICE

[1] The present invention relates to a levitation device for animals, including animals suffering from trauma or diseases resulting in total or partial incapacity to move and / or raise.

[2] As part of the practice of veterinary medicine, it is common to be confronted with pathologies causing a total or partial incapacity to move as well as to raise. At most the animal is big and heavy, the more it is subject to this kind of problem. Indeed, the more heavy and bulky an animal is, the more difficult it will be for him to face locomotive difficulties. When he is too tired and / or suffers too much to compensate by resting on his other limbs, he ends up lying down and lying down and seeing that he is unable to get up he can no longer eat nor hydrate. It therefore weakens considerably; bedsores appear due to immobility and the animal degenerates despite the care provided. It is often necessary to euthanize the animal.

[3] There are different techniques for the rehabilitation of heavy animals. It is particularly known to place the animal in a swimming pool. This technique is relatively expensive in time and energy and complicated to implement. It is difficult to put in the pool an animal of 800 kg and more. This technique requires important external means such as elevators, hoists, water temperature control etc. Moreover, it is not suitable for all conditions.

[4] The harness is still known. The principle is so simple: to raise the animal by means of a harness equipped with straps in order to make him walk again. This device is quite difficult to use and the results are often deceptive because it is not suitable for all animals. The adjustment of the straps is delicate and the stretched straps that hold the animal tend to lacerate and cut off the vasculature. In addition, the risk of falling animals following a slipping strap can not be completely eliminated.

[5] The hip clamp generally used in cattle is still known. It has two metal hoops interconnected by a rigid linkage that allows the clamping of the hoops. This technique also requires a handling device and is traumatic for the animal because it raises all of its weight by the hips while the pool is not designed to undergo traction. Falls are frequent as well as bedsores and other traumas caused by the forceps.

[6] In view of the foregoing, there is a great need for an animal levitation device which allows the animals to be held upright, while relieving the bearing members.

[7] Another object of the invention is to provide an animal levitation device which improves the welfare of the animal as well as the safety conditions, in case of partial or total incapacity for movement and / or to raise the animal.

[8] Another object of the invention is to provide a levitation device that reduces the risk of complications related to locomotor disabilities while increasing the chances of recovery of the animal.

[9] Another object is to provide an animal levitation device, which allows the administration of care, and which facilitates the movement of the animal itself, either by an operator.

[10] According to the invention, the lift device comprises an inflatable mattress provided with holes for the passage of the legs of the animals, and a harness to be mounted on the animal to be treated and connected to the inflatable mattress with straps.

[11] The device of the invention is distinguished by its ease of use: we put the non-inflated mattress on the animal lying down and simply inflate to the desired height. Through the straps connecting the animal to the mattress, the animal is recovering easily.

[12] The device of the invention can be used regardless of the location of the pathology, both the forelimb and hind limb.

[13] At a time when more and more importance is given to the well-being of the animal, the use of such a device finds all its meaning. It allows the animal to stay in physiological position with real comfort. Manipulations are reduced and the resulting risks are limited.

[14] Such a device allows a real rehabilitation over time, with a succession of daily improvements to a normal state. When it is considered that in 99% of the cases an animal remained lying down for more than three days is euthanized, this device is a real progress.

[15] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device of the invention, it comprises a peripheral lug arranged near the upper surface of the inflatable mattress, said peripheral lug having eyelets distributed over its peripheral length / and the harness is connected to the mattress by several straps fixed in said blinders. Preferably, said peripheral lug extends the upper surface of the mattress on its periphery. Advantageously, the device has numerous points of anchoring and / or attachment.

[16] This arrangement allows the movement of animals even when housed in the device of the invention; as well as the immobilization of one or more members, possibly in a particular position.

[17] The peripheral lug provided with blinkers and arranged near the upper surface of the inflatable mattress also allows the attachment of lifting means, in case it proves necessary.

[18] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the floor surface of the bore or holes is greater than the surface of the hole or holes on the upper surface of the mattress, that is to say the point d entry of the legs of the animal to be sustened. This form of execution facilitates the movement of the animal by its own means.

[19] Advantageously, it is also possible to provide a peripheral lug provided with blinkers arranged near the base surface of the inflatable mattress. This embodiment facilitates the movement of the device of the invention with the aid of external traction means. In order to further facilitate the traction of the levitation device, particularly when an animal is housed therein, provision may be made for the attachment of straps to the upper peripheral lug and the lower peripheral lug.

[20] The invention will be described in more detail below, in support of the figures in which: [21] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the inflatable mattress of the device of the invention; and [22] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a device supporting a cattle.

[23] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the fastening of the straps; [24] Figure 4 is a side view of the representation of Figure 3; and [25] Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4 with the lift device deflated.

[26] In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like or similar elements.

[27] In Figure 1 there is an inflatable mattress in the inflated state 1 which has two holes 3 and 5 for the passage of the legs of the animals to be carried by the device. Advantageously, the holes widen downwards; that is to say that the surface 7,11 of the opening at the upper surface 21 of the mattress 1 is less than the surface 9,13 of the opening at the base 23 of the mattress 1. Advantageously, the mattress 1 comprises, at the periphery of its upper surface 21, a peripheral lug 25 provided with blinkers 27 to which the harness can be fixed by means of straps 41, 43, 45 and 47, as described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[28] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a peripheral lug 29 provided with eyelets 31 to which traction means can be attached for example. According to an advantageous embodiment shown in Figure 3, one can attach straps to the upper and lower peripheral tabs to facilitate traction, even in the presence of an animal supported by the device of the invention.

[29] If necessary, the inflatable mattress can also be deflated to facilitate the movement of the animal suspended there. In this case, it is advantageous for the material constituting the vertical walls of the inflatable mattress to be elastic or retractable by means of springs or the like. As a result, the mattress is suspended from the animal via the harness; the animal gains freedom of movement; the mattress can be re-inflated at any time to support the animal and relieve it.

[30] In order to facilitate lifting by a hoist, for example, it is also possible to provide eyecups 33, 35, 37, 39 fixed to the mattress 1, for example at the upper corners of the mattress 1, to facilitate the lifting of the device, in particular using a hoist and straps (61).

[31] As can be seen in Figure 2, a bovine is immobilized in the device. Its legs are housed in the holes and keep a degree of freedom given the arrangement and the shape of these holes. We can obviously provide holes of different shape or drilling per leg for example. As explained above, the ground surface of the bore is larger than the surface of the bore at the top of the inflatable mattress. In other words the drilling has a frustoconical shape or trapezoidal vertical section.

[32] The animal is secured in the device using straps 41,43,45 and 47 connected to the mattress, in particular in the blinkers 27, and on the other hand to a harness 51 attached to the animal. The harness 51 advantageously comprises a rod 53 placed on the back of the animal and harness straps, for example 55, 57 and 59 tightly clamped around the animal to hold the rod 53 in position. The straps 41, 43, 45, and 47 are preferably attached to this rod 53.

[33] In order to facilitate lifting, one or more straps 61 may also be attached to the bead wire 53, possibly in combination with lifting straps secured in eyelets of the leg of the inflatable mat.

[34] The invention will be better understood on reading particular application examples. It is understood that these examples are given by way of illustration and are far from limiting.

[35] Example 1: Milk fever: [36] The cow suffers from hypocalcemia, particularly after parturition. She is unable to get up, staggers and ends up lying down without being able to get up. Unsuccessful attempts at recovery cause fractures, wounds, nerve and muscle damage. The device of the invention allows to place the animal safely while he receives the necessary veterinary care and thus avoid complications and reduce pain.

[37] Example 2: Hypophosphoremia: [38] Phosphorus deficiency has many similarities to the hypocalcemia mentioned above and is one of the regular complications. The interest of the device of the invention is as described in Example 1. As this kind of pathology often occurs in summer, when the animals are meadow, it is important to be able to transfer them to a place more conducive to treatment. The device of the invention allows to lift the animal on the mattress or pull the mattress when the animal is housed there.

If you want to prevent the animal from touching the ground with its legs, simply increase the inflation of the mattress.

[39] Example 3: Hypomagnesia: it is a tetanus syndrome of the cow; the device of the invention makes it possible to overcome it in a manner similar to what has been described above.

[40] Example 4: Traumatic Farrowing: [41] It is common during births to experience inflammation of the genital tract, pelvis and nerves that run through it, resulting in paralysis of the fetuses. hind limbs that may take weeks to resolve. In this kind of situation again, the device of the invention makes it possible to maintain the animal in a physiological position.

[42] Example 5: Sciatic Syndrome: [43] This is a traumatic pathology encountered in large animals that tend to slide on slippery grounds by making a "big gap" with the hind limbs; which results in paralysis of one or both hind limbs. The device the invention allows to relieve the animal the time required for recovery.

[44] Example 6: Septicemia shock: [45] These diseases are regularly encountered in farms in the northern hemisphere and they follow mastitis or metritis (infection of the uterus) and cause intense stress conditions. in animals. Even if we manage to stop the evolution of the disease, the complications are important: hypocalcemia / appearance of pressure ulcers and various wounds; and it is often necessary to euthanize the animal. As explained in the context of the preceding examples, the system of the invention makes it possible to protect the animal and provide the necessary care while avoiding complications.

[46] Example 7: Fractures: [47] Unfortunately, some fractures are not absorbable by means of a cast or splint. The device would maintain the wounded animal in physiological situation, and this the time necessary for bone resorption, while often euthanasia is the only solution.

[48] Example 7: Laminitis: [49] This is an acute inflammation of the foot, extremely painful that can lead to rapid euthanasia so much pain is strong. The device of the invention makes it possible to maintain the animal in physiological position without it touching the ground with its sore limbs, and this time to control the inflammation.

[50] Example 8: Osteoarthritis: [51] It is a degenerative disease of the articular tissues and which is exacerbated by crises more or less long and more or less painful. It is generally treated by the administration of anti-inflammatories. In this case also, the device the invention allows to relieve the animal the time necessary to achieve the effects of treatment, and to limit the complications due to prolonged lying down.

[52] Example 9: Transport of injured animals: [53] The transport of injured animals is often done in difficult conditions and uncomfortable for the animal, often traumatic. The device the invention allows to reduce the stress suffered by the animal as well as injuries related to this kind of situation.

[54] .Example 10: Postoperative conditions: [55] After general anesthesia, the waking phase is particularly difficult to manage, particularly due to the lack of equilibrium of the animals. The device of the invention makes it possible to limit the complications.

Claims (6)

claims 1. An animal levitation device comprising an inflatable mattress (1) provided with bores (3.5) for the passage of the animal's feet, and a harness (51) intended to be mounted on the animal to be treated and connected to the mattress inflatable by straps (41,43,45,47). 2. Animal levitation device according to claim 1 characterized in that the inflatable mattress (1) comprises a peripheral lug (25) arranged near the upper surface of the inflatable mattress (1) and provided with eyelets (27). 3. A levitation device for animals according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the harness (51) is connected to the mattress (1) by several straps (41,43,45,47) fixed in the eyelets (27) distributed on a peripheral lug (25) arranged near the upper surface of the inflatable mattress (1). 4. A levitation device for animals according to claim 2, characterized in that said peripheral lug (25) extends the upper surface of the mattress on its periphery. 5. Animal levitation device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the ground surface (9,13) of the bore or bores (3,5) is greater than the surface (7,11) of the holes on the upper surface of the mattress, that is to say the point of entry of the legs of the animal to be sustened. 6. Animal levitation device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a peripheral lug (29) provided with eyelets (31) is arranged near the base surface of the inflatable mattress (1).