Ems and Suspensory desmitis

[Katelouise]

Morning

Does anyone have any experience dealing with the possible link between EMS and suspensory ligament desmitis.

My 8 year old cob has inflammation in both hind suspensories and in his front right. Front looks like it could be an old injury that healed badly before i got him as fibres coming away feom the branch. Lameness in all three is mild but picked up on sensors and inflammation on the MRIs. He's being referred to neurology and having a muscle biopsy today to rule out anything else going on but vet described him as moving like the handbrake is on. Full blood count being done today also. Muscle enzyme bloods were normal albeit vet did say they can produce a false negative hence the biopsy.

Im wondering if the desmitis in the ligaments could be linked to the EMS.

Thank you, kind comments only please as it's been a rough week. Vet has been unbelievably helpful and on a mission to get to the root cause, i'm just keen to find out if anyone has had similar experiences and the outcomes x

 

[2 Dragons]

There is a link between Cushing's disease and suspensory ligament desmitis due to high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone weakens connective tissues like ligaments and tendons. I know they are different conditions but EMS can also lead to high cortisol levels due to metabolic stress. so it could have an impact on ligaments. I'm no expert but have been exploring this as my horse with Cushings, although not yet showing symptoms, is lacking any enthusiasm for being ridden.