Suspensory Ligament (Hole/Tear)

horseywelsh

horseywelsh

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Would like any info on the treatment, outcome with horses with a small hole/tear in the suspensory ligament.

My horse has been struggling with canter on one rein, trot work fantsatic, walk fine, other rein canter normal, we've had physio, saddle checked etc all fine, so it has been suggested to me that horse could have a small hole or tear in hind suspensory ligament. Apparently very common in low level dressage horses (horse an allrounder but compete dressage to elementary). The vet will be the next route i go down, but any info/experiences on this would be much appreciated.
 
You need to find out exactly what is going on. It is impossible to say what is making the horse lame without a proper investigation. Yes it could be suspensory, but it could also be hock or stifle or sacroiliac or anything!

Anyway, to answer your question, an ultrasound scan should show whether the suspensory is the cause. If so, it depends on the size of the lesion and extent of the damage, and also which part of the ligament is involved. Shockwave therapy is thought to be effective for some types of suspensory strains. Box rest and careful reintroduction of exercise, lots of hand walking on a hard surface, and frequent re-scanning to chart the healing process are also usual. Good luck.
 
Thanks, horse is not lame, infact horse is working very well in all paces and lateral work apart from the canter on one rein.
 
Hmm, my horse did her suspensory badly the beggining of this year.

How muc do you know about suspensory ligs? The outcome is very dependant on the severity and place of the injury.

My mare did hers in 2 places, proximal (the top part, very common) treated with surgery, and she also had a core leision (middle part, quite rare) treated with platelet rich plasma injected straight inot the hole.

We, so far and touch all wood I can find, have had a very positive outcome, but I think I'm one of the lucky ones.

You'll need to scan and xray to find out exactly what is going on, as again, depending on where the tear is, the treatment will be different.

If you'd like more info, please do pm.
 
Often with low grade suspensory damage the horse isn't truly lame for quite a period. Jesper had low grade PSD diagnosed when he was 5yrs old. He'd lost all impulsion, become grumpy to ride and had a strange almost plaiting movement. Scans confirmed suspensory damage. He was box rested for three months and treated with shock wave before a slow and careful rehab. He came back to work sound.
Best to get the vet out to scan for a diagnosis.
 
If you get the suspensory diagnosed by a vet then I would highly recommend Game Ready, I have seen the results and the out comes are far better than you would expect.
 
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If you get the suspensory diagnosed by a vet then I would highly recommend Game Ready, I have seen the results and the out comes are far better than you would expect.

[/ QUOTE ]

Could you tell me more about this please
 
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