Suspensory ligament injuries are common in horses. Injuries can occur in horses that are required to perform at high levels, such as racehorses, show jumpers, and 3-day event competition horses. These njuries are most likely to happen when the horse begins to tire, especially when she is going at a high speed. According to "Thoroughbred Times" magazine, ̶0;The suspensory ligament lies between the flexor tendons and cannon bone and is a broad, elastic band that keeps the fetlock joint from dropping to the ground when weight is placed on the leg.̶1; Suspensory injuries are slow to heal and are frequently debilitating. These types of injuries will often end the career of a racehorse, but with time and careful management, horses can go back to work. Signs of an injury include swelling, pain, obvious lameness and dropping of the fetlock during weight bearing.
- Leg bandages
- Anti-inflammatory medications
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Instructions
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1
Put the horse on stall rest. Daily walking is usually recommended after a period of stall rest. Reevaluate in 2 or 3 weeks. During this initial rest period, you may treat your horse with an anti-inflammatory medication and cold-hose the injured leg. Corrective shoeing may also help, as well as bandaging. An ultrasound or radiographs can help determine the severity of the injury.
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2
Try injections. Consult your veterinarian about injecting the tissue around the ligament with corticosteroids, glucosamines or hyaluronic acid. Some veterinarians may also recommend joint supplements for the horse̵7;s diet.
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3
Try shock wave therapy. According to "Thoroughbred Times," this type of therapy is especially useful for high suspensory injuries.