Suspensory Ligament in Horses: Description, Injuries, and Treatment

Suspensory Ligament in Horses:

The suspensory ligament is one of the most crucial structures in a horse’s leg, providing essential support and shock absorption during movement. Whether your horse is a performance athlete or a casual trail companion, understanding how this ligament works and how to care for it can make a significant difference in the long-term health and soundness of your horse.

In this article, we’ll check out the key facts about the suspensory ligament, common injuries that affect it, how these injuries are diagnosed and treated, and tips on prevention.

What is the Suspensory Ligament in Horses?

The suspensory ligament is a strong, fibrous structure that runs down the back of the cannon bone in a horse’s leg. It plays a crucial role in supporting the fetlock joint and preventing hyperextension, especially during intense activity such as jumping, racing, or high-speed maneuvers.

Anatomy and Function

• Location: The suspensory ligament originates at the top of the cannon bone, just below the knee or hock, and runs down the back of the leg to the fetlock joint. It divides into branches that wrap around the fetlock, attaching to the sesamoid bones.
• Function: It acts as a spring, absorbing the impact forces when a horse’s hoof strikes the ground. This ligament helps maintain the integrity of the fetlock joint, preventing overextension that could result in injury.

The rear legs from the front showing the suspensory ligaments

For those interested in further reading on the anatomy of a horse’s leg, you can explore more details in this comprehensive guide to horse leg anatomy.

Common Injuries to the Suspensory Ligament

Suspensory ligament injuries are unfortunately quite common, especially in performance horses like eventers, jumpers, and racehorses. Injuries can vary in severity, ranging from mild strains to full tears.

Types of Injuries

1. Suspensory Ligament Desmitis: This is the inflammation of the suspensory ligament, which can be acute (caused by a sudden trauma) or chronic (resulting from overuse).
2. Tears or Ruptures: More severe injuries involve partial or full-thickness tears of the ligament. These injuries often take months to heal and may permanently affect the horse’s performance.
3. Proximal Suspensory Desmitis (PSD): This occurs when the ligament is damaged near its origin at the top of the cannon bone. This type of injury can be more challenging to treat due to its location.

Causes of Suspensory Ligament Injuries

• Overtraining and Overuse: Performance horses that undergo repeated stress without proper recovery time are at higher risk of developing suspensory injuries.
• Poor Footing: Working on uneven, hard, or overly soft ground can strain the ligament.
• Conformation Issues: Horses with long pasterns or a naturally low fetlock angle may be predisposed to suspensory issues due to the additional stress on the ligament.

According to the NIH.gov performance horses are at a higher risk of developing suspensory ligament issues, particularly those that engage in high-speed or high-impact activities. Up to 20% of lameness cases in event horses can be linked to suspensory injuries.

The rear legs from the rear showing the suspensory ligaments

Diagnosing Suspensory Ligament Injuries

If your horse suddenly becomes lame or shows signs of discomfort in the leg, a suspensory ligament injury could be the culprit. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage.

Symptoms of Suspensory Injuries

• Lameness, especially when turning or after intense exercise
• Swelling or heat around the cannon bone or fetlock area
• Sensitivity to touch along the ligament
• A “dropping” or “dipping” fetlock joint in severe cases

Diagnostic Tools

• Physical Exam: Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the source of lameness.
• Ultrasound: This is the most common tool for diagnosing suspensory ligament injuries. Ultrasounds can reveal tears, inflammation, and the overall condition of the ligament.
• MRI: For more detailed imaging, particularly in chronic or severe cases, an MRI may be recommended to assess the full extent of the damage.

For more insights into diagnosing equine lameness, VetTimes offers detailed guides on advanced diagnostic techniques.

Treatment and Rehabilitation for Suspensory Ligament Injuries

Treating suspensory ligament injuries requires a combination of rest, rehabilitation, and sometimes advanced therapies. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the injury and the specific needs of the horse.

Immediate Care

• Rest: This is often the first step. For mild injuries, your horse may need several weeks of stall rest with limited movement to prevent further damage.
• Anti-Inflammatories: Medications such as phenylbutazone (bute) can help reduce inflammation and pain during the initial phase of recovery.

Rehabilitation Protocol

• Controlled Exercise: After the initial rest period, your horse will begin a controlled exercise program. This might include hand walking, lunging at a walk, and eventually progressing to trot work.
• Hill Work: Gradual work on hills can help strengthen the suspensory ligament without putting excessive strain on the fetlock joint.Case Study Example: A racehorse with proximal suspensory desmitis was prescribed shockwave therapy in conjunction with controlled exercise. After six months, the horse returned to training and eventually back to the racetrack, though with limitations on workload. Advanced treatments like these can significantly improve outcomes.

Advanced Treatment Options

• Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive therapy stimulates blood flow and accelerates healing in the damaged ligament.
• PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): Involves injecting a concentrated amount of the horse’s own platelets into the injured area to promote healing.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Used in more severe cases to encourage tissue regeneration and reduce scar tissue formation.

For more information on these advanced treatments, you can refer to VetTimes for detailed case studies on equine PRP therapy.

Preventing Suspensory Ligament Injuries

While suspensory injuries can happen even with the best care, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk, particularly if your horse is in a high-risk category.

Tips for Prevention

• Conditioning: Make sure your horse’s fitness level matches the demands of their work. Avoid sudden increases in intensity.
• Regular Rest: Allow your horse adequate downtime, especially after competitions or intense training sessions.
• Maintain Proper Footing: Train on surfaces that provide enough grip without being too hard or slippery.
• Leg Protection: Using support boots or wraps during exercise can offer additional stability to the fetlock and reduce the risk of overextension.

For additional insights into preventing ligament injuries, refer to the Integricare blog.

Should I Buy a Horse with Suspensory Ligament Damage?

Deciding whether to purchase a horse with a history of suspensory ligament damage is a complex decision. While it’s tempting to get a horse with prior injury, especially if it’s offered at a reduced price, there are important factors to consider.

Let’s take a look at why buying a horse with ongoing suspensory ligament damage is generally not recommended, and what to look for if the horse has successfully recovered.

Avoid Purchasing Horses with Active Suspensory Injuries

If a horse currently suffers from suspensory ligament damage, it is typically best to avoid making the purchase. Active injuries to this ligament can be difficult and expensive to treat, with an uncertain outcome. Healing times can be long, and the horse might never return to its former athletic capabilities, especially in high-impact disciplines like jumping or eventing.

Suspensory ligament injuries can also cause recurring issues, leading to chronic lameness. Even with advanced veterinary care, there’s no guarantee that the horse will be able to perform as required, making this a risky investment for anyone looking for a competition horse or an active partner in demanding equestrian sports.

The Case for Horses with Recovered Suspensory Injuries

On the other hand, a horse that has fully recovered from suspensory ligament damage can still live a fulfilling, active life. It’s essential, however, to carefully assess its past treatment, rehabilitation process, and current workload.

Consult with a veterinarian to ensure the horse’s ligaments have healed properly and the animal is sound for flatwork or low-impact riding activities. Horses that have undergone thorough rehabilitation often adjust well to new routines, although extra care may be needed to avoid re-injury.

For example, Clover, our beautiful white mare at Strathorn Farm, suffered from suspensory ligament damage in her younger years. After a well-structured rehabilitation program, she made a full recovery and now enjoys teaching people to ride.

Although she no longer participates in jumping activities, she thrives doing flatwork and remains a vital part of our riding school. Her experience highlights how a horse can still enjoy a meaningful life post-injury with the right care and adjusted expectations.

Considerations for the Future of a horse with Suspenosry ligament damage

If you’re considering buying a horse with a history of suspensory ligament damage, be mindful of its intended use. For flatwork, trail riding, or leisure activities, a recovered horse like Clover can be a fantastic companion. However, if you’re looking for a horse for high-impact disciplines like show jumping or cross-country, even a fully recovered horse might not be the best choice, as the risk of re-injury is significantly higher.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of balancing risk and reward. When in doubt, always consult a trusted veterinarian to evaluate the horse’s current health and long-term prospects.

Suspensory ligament location

Conclusion

Understanding suspensory ligament injuries is essential for maintaining your horse’s long-term soundness and performance. From early detection to advanced therapies, staying informed on treatment options and preventive measures will help ensure that your horse stays healthy and injury-free.

If your horse is exhibiting signs of lameness or discomfort, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis. With proper care and management, many horses can make a full recovery and continue to lead active, healthy lives.

FAQ Horse suspenspry ligaments

1. What causes suspensory ligament injuries in horses?
   • These injuries are often caused by overuse, poor conformation, or working on uneven surfaces. Performance horses are particularly susceptible.
2. How long does it take for a horse to recover from a suspensory ligament injury?
   • Recovery times can vary, but most suspensory injuries require a minimum of 3 to 6 months of rest and rehabilitation.
3. Can a horse fully recover from a suspensory ligament injury?
   • Many horses can fully recover with proper treatment, but severe cases may result in permanent limitations.
4. How is a suspensory ligament injury diagnosed?
   • Vets typically use ultrasounds to visualize the ligament and assess the damage.
5. How can I prevent suspensory ligament injuries in my horse?
   • Regular conditioning, proper rest, and training on safe footing are key to preventing suspensory injuries.