Bilateral degenerative suspensory desmitis with acute rupture in a Standardbred colt

Abstract

Summary A 3‐month‐old Standardbred colt was examined for acute, bilateral hindlimb swelling and lameness. Serum chemistry demonstrated elevated muscle enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH and CK). Radiographs of the hindlimbs demonstrated intact proximal sesamoid bones that were displaced distally and subluxation of the pastern joints. Ultrasonography of the affected areas revealed large, diffuse hypoechoic areas in the bodies of both hind suspensory ligaments consistent with bilateral rupture. Histology of the lesions was consistent with degenerative suspensory desmitis with acute rupture.

Management of hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy by neurectomy of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve and plantar fasciotomy: 155 horses (2003–2008)

“…2006; Schenkman et al . 2009; Miller and Juzwiak 2010; Dyson 2010). Anecdotally, there are also reports of horses experiencing catastrophic breakdowns of the SL after neurectomy and fasciotomy, usually in association with conformational abnormalities.…”

“…Either of these factors could explain why surgical outcome was poor for these horses. There is evidence that in some horses there may be progressive degeneration of the SL (Mero and Pool 2002;Mero and Scarlett 2005;Halper et al 2006;Schenkman et al 2009;Miller and Juzwiak 2010;Dyson 2010). Anecdotally, there are also reports of horses experiencing catastrophic breakdowns of the SL after neurectomy and fasciotomy, usually in association with conformational abnormalities.…”

Quadrilateral suspensory and straight sesamoidean ligament calcifying desmopathy in an Arabian mare

“…Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a debilitating condition of equids, over‐represented in Peruvian Pasos, regardless of age, sex or athletic function. Affected horses can have multilimb pathology, and often have pronounced lameness and pain on palpation of the suspensory ligaments (SLs) (Mero and Pool ; Mero and Scarlett ; Miller and Juzwiak ; Xie et al . ).…”

Is degenerative change within hindlimb suspensory ligaments a prelude to all types of injury?

“…In the Standardbred foal described by Miller and Juzwiak (2010), the hock conformation was remarkably straight at the time of injury, although it had previously been considered normal. Recognition of conformational abnormalities in association with lameness is an important feature.…”

“…1995). The report by Miller and Juzwiak (2010) describes a very unusual presentation of SL degeneration in a Standardbred aged 3 months, in which there was acute rupture of the body of the SL. In my experience in Peruvian Pasos, Andalusian horses and other breeds, degenerative changes are usually most obvious clinically and ultrasonographically in the SL branches.…”