What Are the Treatments for Suspensory Injury?

A suspensory injury is a common and frustrating injury in horses. The suspensory ligament extends from the knee or hock down the back of the lower leg. The horse will usually suddenly become lame, and the leg will have significant swelling. These types of injuries most often occur when the horse is beginning to get tired or at a high speed. Your vet will usually perform an ultrasound or x-ray to determine how severe the injury is.

  1. Stall Rest And Hand-Walking

    • Horses with suspensory injuries should not be turned out or worked until a vet gives permission.

    Anti-Inflammatory Medications

    • Your vet may put your horse on phenylbutazone, or "bute," or another anti-inflammatory drug to help decrease swelling and prevent more problems.

    Cold Hosing And Icing

    • Your vet will recommend time and frequency of cold-hosing sessions, which involve using cold seawater to cool the skin surface of the horse.

    Corrective Shoes

    • Some vets may recommend special shoes to help minimize tension on the injured suspensory ligament.

    Surgery

    • According to Nathaniel White II, DVM, surgery may be beneficial when the injury occurs in the area where the suspensory ligament attaches to the cannon bone or another area that is resistant to healing.