How Do You 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. 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 i
