Post by IH Health on Jun 25, 2012 15:48:24 GMT 1
DSLD (Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis)
Also known as
Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation (ESPA)
What is it?
DSLD is a syndrome that is being diagnosed with greater frequency that affects Irish throgoughbreds, Swedish Warmbloods and many American/South American breeds. It is a degenerative condition that causes the suspensory ligament in the horse's legs to break down over time and normally will affect both front legs or both back legs at the same time (ie it is a "bi-lateral" illness).
Causes
The causes of DSLD are still being researched. Most research seems to point towards a lack of the body to produce collagen, which would normally repair any tears or strains in the body. Elasticity within the ligament is therefore lost causing an ability to stretch which causes irreversible damage to the ligaments.
Symptoms
* Bi-lateral lameness (ie lameness on both fronts or both backs)
* Pain when handling the suspensory ligament
* The appearance of the fetlock 'sinking' in movement
* Ringbone
* Rocking backwards and forewards
* Lying down
* Horse wishing to stand with their toes down and heels elevated
* Pasterns 'level out'
* Reluctance to move
Diagnosis
An ultrasound may show excess cartiledge formation at the branches of the suspensory ligament. This may also be able to be felt when running your hands down the horse's legs. DSLD needs a vet to diagnose as its symptoms are simlar to other diseases including temporary injury to the suspensory joint.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the advancement of the disease. Some cases have been helped by supplements such as MSM, remedial shoeing techniques and stable rest with in hand exercise. Please speak to your vet about possible treatments.
Prevention
The following breeds have had reported cases of DSLD/ESPA - Arabian, American Saddlebred, National Show Horse, Paso Fino, Peruvian Paso, Quarter Horse, Irish Thoroughbred, Swedish Warmblood. There are some studies that believe the disease could be genetic so check your horse's breeding and parents medical history if possible.
Good websites
Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis
DSLD/ESPA Symptoms, Diagnosis and Management
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
DSLD and or MSM supp
Collapsing fetlock
+ much more in the search section!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
Also known as
Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation (ESPA)
What is it?
DSLD is a syndrome that is being diagnosed with greater frequency that affects Irish throgoughbreds, Swedish Warmbloods and many American/South American breeds. It is a degenerative condition that causes the suspensory ligament in the horse's legs to break down over time and normally will affect both front legs or both back legs at the same time (ie it is a "bi-lateral" illness).
Causes
The causes of DSLD are still being researched. Most research seems to point towards a lack of the body to produce collagen, which would normally repair any tears or strains in the body. Elasticity within the ligament is therefore lost causing an ability to stretch which causes irreversible damage to the ligaments.
Symptoms
* Bi-lateral lameness (ie lameness on both fronts or both backs)
* Pain when handling the suspensory ligament
* The appearance of the fetlock 'sinking' in movement
* Ringbone
* Rocking backwards and forewards
* Lying down
* Horse wishing to stand with their toes down and heels elevated
* Pasterns 'level out'
* Reluctance to move
Diagnosis
An ultrasound may show excess cartiledge formation at the branches of the suspensory ligament. This may also be able to be felt when running your hands down the horse's legs. DSLD needs a vet to diagnose as its symptoms are simlar to other diseases including temporary injury to the suspensory joint.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the advancement of the disease. Some cases have been helped by supplements such as MSM, remedial shoeing techniques and stable rest with in hand exercise. Please speak to your vet about possible treatments.
Prevention
The following breeds have had reported cases of DSLD/ESPA - Arabian, American Saddlebred, National Show Horse, Paso Fino, Peruvian Paso, Quarter Horse, Irish Thoroughbred, Swedish Warmblood. There are some studies that believe the disease could be genetic so check your horse's breeding and parents medical history if possible.
Good websites
Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis
DSLD/ESPA Symptoms, Diagnosis and Management
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
DSLD and or MSM supp
Collapsing fetlock
+ much more in the search section!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.