How to Treat Suspensory Ligaments
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, "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." 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.
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Instructions
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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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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 horse's diet.
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Try shock wave therapy. According to "Thoroughbred Times," this type of therapy is especially useful for high suspensory injuries.
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Tips & Warnings
To help prevent future suspensory injuries, check your horse's hoof balance. Hooves that are not balanced can cause stress on certain parts of the leg, making your horse more vulnerable to injury. Work your horse on appropriate footing. Deep footing (as in mud or deep sand) can cause a horse to overextend soft-tissue structures, according to "Thoroughbred Times." Don't overwork your horse. Fatigue is a frequent cause of injury, so condition your horse for what you will be requiring of him in competitions.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving your horse medications or resuming activity after an injury. Your vet can help guide you through the rehabilitation program. Failure to stick with your vet's treatment plan may affect the future soundness of your horse and hinder healing.
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Comments
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Remember to sweat the leg with VICTORY LANE liniment!
