04 September 2008 11:37
I believe my 15-year-old Hanoverian x TB mare is suffering from degenerative suspensory ligament disorder (DSLD). For the past four years, she has suffered swollen hindlegs, grossly enlarged hind fetlocks and severely dropped pasterns.
As the condition has degenerated, her hocks have begun to straighten, and her hindquarters have dropped. Can you provide me with more information about this condition?
Answer
By Your Horse
Vet Gil Riley replies:
Degenerative suspensory ligament disorder is unfortunately quite common. The role of the suspensory ligament is to support the fetlock joint. Degeneration in the suspensory ligament means the fetlocks of the horse will sink and, as a result, the pasterns become almost horizontal.
Unfortunately, as there’s not a great deal we can do to reverse the changes, efforts are usually aimed at attempting to slow the rate of degeneration. Correct balancing of the feet in those cases where hooves are lacking in good upkeep can help, as can remedial shoeing with an elongated heel to the shoe.
Sensible use of anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve the discomfort but, unfortunately, DSLD remains a frustrating condition to treat, with most cases deteriorating no matter how we attempt to intervene.