Page 329 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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Figures 7.10a and b Position of the suspensory ligament

Injuries to the suspensory ligament

Inflamation of a ligament is known as desmitis. Injuries to the suspensory ligament usually

occur during fast work or with athletic manoeuvres such as those performed in dressage.
There is an increased incidence with age, and age-related degenerative changes occur.
Suspensory ligament injuries occur in three separate regions:

• proximal suspensory desmitis

• desmitis of the body of the suspensory ligament

• desmitis of the branches of the suspensory ligament.

Proximal suspensory desmitis of the forelimb

This is a relatively common injury in athletic horses. The injury affects the proximal (upper)
part of the ligament, close to its origin. It may affect one or both limbs.

CLINICAL SIGNS

• Lameness:

– mild to moderate lameness which is sudden in onset
– the lameness may be more obvious when the horse works on a soft surface