Another suspensory ligament thread- POST OP

[fmt]

My mare was diagnosed with proximal
suspensory desmitis in both hinds back in january this year, it was ongoing from August as get was unsure so was on box rest until she had a neuroctamy in february.

Anyway after box rest, limited turn out, hand walking and physio I am now back on her riding. Not allowed to do schooling just hacking for 45mins with up to 15mins trot.

The vet has said she will never be 100% sound and does look ok, she just has off days where she feels slightly out but feels much better at the end of a ride.

Am I expecting too much too soon? I know she isn't going to be a world beater I just want her to have a good quality of life.

Does anyone have any advice or experiences, all will be appreciated thank you.

 

[Tiffany]

Sorry to hear about your horse although I suppose it's still early days yet and she'll continue to improve. I've no experience personally although, a friend's mare went for an op last week only for them to change the diagnosis to the same as your horse. She's having her op second week of June and vet has said she should come back to same level of competiton which is adv medium.

 

[soulfull]

my horse had this in January. unfortunately his was degenerative suspensory ligament disease and I lost him last week

I am a little confused when did the vet say she would never be 100%? was it the same vet who did/arranged the surgery?

I am suspecting it maybe you local vet who is seeing her post op and presuming that she should be sound almost immediately (this is what most seem to think)
However I was told that they are slightly lame for a few weeks/months later as the ligament has to stretch over and over again before it is healed

The 'better at the end of a ride' is normal and an indication the ligament still needs stretching To me this means only when you get to the point where there is none or little difference between beginning and end of a ride are you likely to know how well it has worked

hope this helps