Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis

[carterk3]

Hi - my horse who is only five has been diagnosed with DSLD. This has been after her having every test known to vets including nerve blocks, scans, bone scans, box rest, walking in hand etc. Would really appreciate it if there is anyone on this forum who has experience of this could share information whether it's good or bad. Really don't know what to do or what the future holds for my horse and have the feeling I'm going to have to make some dreadful decisions soon!

 

[pipsqueek]

Hi - I replied to a similar thread a couple of days ago, my mare was diagnosed with the same but she was 14 at the time, (she is 17 now) she was operated on at Newmarket and after a few follow-up visits was still unsound a year later, I was offered further treatment but her insurance cover had run out. I gave her approx 18 months off, she returned sound after this but due to her diagnosis & it being confirmation related it was obviously not a good idea to expect her to s.j/hunt again! I loaned her out to one of my OH's clients as a hack - he is a farrier and keeps her happy and sound with raised heels to her hinds and to this day she is happily enjoying a much easier life. Not really good news for you I know, especially with a young horse, but speak to your vet and farrier before you decide anything x

 

[soulfull]

Mine is not a good ending unfortunately

Micah had surgery for hind suspensory only to remain lame on it. He was also slightly lame on the other hind and considerably lame on one foreleg.

I decided to turn him away, however within days he got much worse and within a few weeks I had to take the decision to pts as he was in pain and miserable. As it is degenerative there was nothing the vets could do for him and I knew it would only get worse so there was no point in prolonging things

Personally if horse was lame on more than one limb I would never opt for surgery again and would make the same decision re pts