Damage to body of the suspensory ligament

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fayemouse123

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Sorry, I know many posts on here about suspensory injuries, but most seem to be about PSD. Has anyone had any experience of dealing with damage to the body of the suspensory? This injury is localised just to the lateral side of canon bone, not both sides. Apparently shockwave is not used for these type of injuries, just rest and controlled exercise. Any ideas on long-term prognosis?

Thanks
 
My horse had strained his suspensory ligaments on both hinds at the top and the bit that gos under the splint bone. I'm not sure on prognosis for yours etc but my horse is still lame 14 months on and I've done everything I can! See my posts.
 
One of my clients horses strained the lateral branch of a hind suspensory and had shockwave treatment on it (3 lots).

He recovered fine from it but had other issues in his front feet which meant he ended up being retired shortly after returning to full work (he was also well into his teens at the time so age was not on his side).
 
If I'm right in thinking this is an acute injury rather than a chronic one, I think the chances of recovery are much improved.
 
Thank you, yes it is acute, and diagnosed/treated pretty soon. The vet hoping it is caused by trauma rather than a sprain, so less chance of re-occurrence. He is a very good showjumper but the onset of injury doesn't coincide with competiting or jumping. One day mid-week after chilled week of days off and hacking he came out with swelling and heat on outside of canon bone. He has a a concrete trough at back of stable, so we think he knocked it on that whilst rolling, but hard to know for sure. He is also rather naughty in the field but the area is so localised and rest of ligament on both legs looking great so we are hopeful. Either way though the damage has been done, and he spent a week chasing his shetland friend around the field like loony before we had it diagnosed so I dont think he has helped himself. Now on box rest for the foreseeable...... :-(
 
lots and lots of rest I'm afraid. Shockwave is only appropriate for injuries where the attachment of the suspensory to bone is involved. Long term prognosis is good, but these injuries take ages to heal. You're probably looking at 18mths to 2yrs.
 
6mths back into full work would be extremely quick for a susp lig injury but i haven't seen the scans - if the damage is very minor that might be correct. Would normally be more like 6-12mths full rest then slowly bring back into work over the following 6-12mths all depending on progress on scans. my horse has just had a really minor sprain to his tendon and even he wont be back in full work in 6mths and susp ligs heal slower than tendons. your vet is the best person to guide you though.
 
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