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The suspensory ligament runs from the top of the canon, attaches onto the sesamoid bones at the back of the fetlock and then runs down the side of the fetlock to join the extensor tendons and is deep to the flexor tendons.
Strain of the suspensory ligament can occur at three different points, the attachment of the ligament at the top of the canon ('high suspensory'), the body of the ligament (as it runs down the back of the canon) or a branch injury (the ligament splits in two before it attaches to the sesamoid bones).
The most common injury to the suspensory ligament is strain of one or both branches. |
Diagnosis:
Ultrasound scanning is used for diagnosis and to assess treatment options.
In many cases, where the lameness is slight and has been there for a long while (chronic), nerve blocks are required to localize the lameness to the suspensory ligament. |
Treatment:
The horse should be placed on box rest and regular cold water hosing used to help reduce the swelling. A thick bandage can be applied to the affected leg and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as phenylbutazone, ('bute') used.
The length of time of box rest depends on how the injury is healing, using ultrasound scanning, and can vary from 4 weeks to 9 months.
Horses must then start a controlled exercise program to bring them back into work. |
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Lameness
