Horse Suspensory Injuries

Equine athletes are more susceptible to suspensory injuries than sedentary horses. Suspensory injuries usually result from speed and tiredness. Although the injury is always considered serious, whether it is career-ending depends on the location of the tear or breakdown in the suspensory. Hoof imbalance may be a predisposing factor, so work with a good farrier to keep the horse's foot in proper shape. To avoid suspensory injuries, make sure horses are conditioned for the work they're asked to do.

  1. Suspensory Ligament

    • The suspensory ligament acts like a rubber band, keeping the fetlock in place when the horse places weight on its legs. It's located between the cannon bone and the flexor tendons. Suspensory ligament injuries may occur in the front or rear legs. Scar tissue in healed ligaments is not as strong as normal tissue.

    Signs of Suspensory Injury

    • While some horses with suspensory injuries are three-legged lame, others exhibit more subtle signs. Horses that are on-and-off lame, with no swelling in the leg, could have suspensory injuries, Other signs are a more obvious lameness when going downhill, or when they trot in a circle, with the injured leg on the outside. Diagnosis starts with nerve-blocking to determine the location of the injury. If the suspensory is involved, an ultrasound will show where tearing of the ligament occurred, and the veterinarian and owner can discuss treatment options.

    Treatment

    • Time is needed for suspensory injuries. Horses need rest and time to heal, often as long as a year. Recurrence after apparent healing is common. Initial treament includes anti-inflammatories, support bandaging and cold packs. For those who can afford it, new therapies offer promising results. According to Roland Thaler, VMD, of Metamora Equine in Michigan, stem cell therapy and shock wave therapy often allow equine athletes to return to soundness. Shock wave therapy requires anesthesia. Horses may recover, but may no longer be able to compete at the same level of their particular sport or may have to change disciplines, such as racehorses becoming pleasure mounts.