Suspensory injury- chance of it recurring?

charlie76

charlie76

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If a horse has had a suspensory injury what is the chance of it recurring??It happened over 2 years ago. Horse had 6 months off the light work/hacking/schooling until now. He has no sign of swelling or heat.
What would be the first signs??

Would you just crack on and see what happens?
He wears boots at all times and magnetic wraps an night.
 
Totally understand how you're feeling. My OH's eventer had this injury last year and we're just starting to get him fit again ready for the eventing season. Vets have told us just to crack on and not to worry (easier said than done). I think we'll just be very careful about running him on dodgy ground especially if it's deep and soft and try not to overtire him. I also check his legs twice a day and after every exercise session. I'm sure there's always a greater risk with a horse that has already had an injury but bottom line is they can all suffer from things from time to time! Good luck with yours!
 
Yes, it does have a higher chance of it happening again on a horse that has had a previous injury than one that has never had a problem. I can't remember the exact % but can dig it out of a lecture if you guys want it!

That said, my pony as a kid had a suspensory injury and came back much better! I think he liked the time out and had alot more enthusiasm! I do just be careful - very hard/very soft ground, boots, good warm ups, cool downs, ice if needed etc - and hopefully your horse can have a good future. Make sure your progression on from light work is very steady. Keep an eye out for any heat, swelling or a slight 'uncomfortable' gait - especially noticable in the trot. Good luck!
 
I would not put on boots at all times and magnetic wraps at night as this would do more harm than good- any covering over the legs will overheat the tendons to an extreme degree.

The first sign of re-injury is heat in the area but heat actually comes up in the leg a good few weeks after the damage has been done. Hence the only way you can check is with regular scanning.

Suspensory injuries always have a risk of re-occurring but the secret is to do hours of walking on the roads for a good few months before returning to schooling/jumping etc. & to always be carefull of the surfaces you ride on.
& perhaps always do the majority of fittening work with just straight lines out hacking, rather than in the school.
 
I agree, I would leave the legs as much as you can, as it over heats them.
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It all depends on what the initial injury was. Obviously, once the suspensory has been damaged, like any other ligament and tendon they become a little weaker due to how they heal.

With regards to what to look out for, I would say all the signs your horse portrayed the previous time. For example, my mare was never actually lame when she damaged her left hind suspensory in the proximal area. She was sound on flexions, on a circle and even after quite a strenuous lunging session. The only time it showed up was when she was ridden and you asked for medium trot.

I echo what someone else has said about the surfaces. I pick mine very carefully for my mare as she actually damaged hers slipping on a chipped wood surface
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But nothing too deep or slippery for her!
 
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