Suspensory Injuries in a Horse
- The suspensory apparatus on a horse's legs include a long ligament that runs from the back of the knee (or hock on the hind leg) to the back of the fetlock, or ankle area, where various other, smaller ligaments hold together multiple bones. This suspensory apparatus allows the horse to carry its weight and absorb the shock of its movements. Suspensory injuries in horses are extremely common, especially for those participating in physically demanding sports.
- Suspensory injuries often mean the end of a horse's competitive career.show horse & rider image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com
Suspensory injuries require a great deal of time to heal and often define the end of an equine athlete's competitive career. The most common causes of suspensory injuries in horses are related to their speed and a lack of conditioning. Poor hoof balance and deep footing are also leading causes. Poor hoof balance amplifies the torque of a footfall, placing increased stress upon the soft-tissue structures of the legs. Deep footing forces overextension of the ligaments. - Diagnosis of a suspensory injury in horses is best achieved by using ultrasound technology where images can reveal holes or lesions in the suspensory ligaments. A flexion test can determine the onset of a suspensory problem. In this test, either the horse's ankle or knee joints are flexed for a span of 30 seconds to one minute. Upon release, the horse's movements are studied for signs of lameness. Performing a flexion test once a month can provide a basis for comparison.
- The seriousness of the damage will determine the type of treatments used to heal a suspensory injury in a horse. A severely damaged suspensory apparatus may require surgery. The use of anti-inflammatory or steroidal injections within the surrounding soft tissue is a common method often used to treat this type of injury. Electromagnetic machines and shock-wave therapy have also proven to be successful methods of repairing suspensory injuries in horses.
- During the healing phase of a suspensory injury, stall rest and restricted pasture space are recommended to prevent the horse from running, causing more damage to an already injured leg. Following a veterinarian-recommended exercise program is the best way to ensure that your horse receives the appropriate amount of exercise. The amount of time a horse needs to recover from a suspensory injury will vary depending upon the significance of its condition.
