Assessment of Noninvasive Low-Frequency Ultrasound as a Means of Treating Injuries to Suspensory Ligaments in Horses: A Research Paper.
Authors: Carrozzo Ugo, Toniato Matteo, Harrison Adrian
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Low-frequency therapeutic ultrasound (38 kHz) offers a practical, noninvasive treatment option for equine suspensory ligament injuries that requires neither sedation nor specialist facilities. In this case study, 23 sport horses with suspensory apparatus damage underwent treatment using an EQ Pro unit applied directly to the injured area via massage with standard ultrasound coupling gel, followed by conventional rehabilitation protocols. Of the cohort, 87% (20 horses) achieved successful outcomes and returned to competition, with the majority requiring ≤3.3 weeks of treatment and demonstrating ultrasonographic evidence of healing within 6.8 ± 1.9 weeks on average. The appeal of this modality lies in its clinical tractability—it can be deployed routinely without handling complications or sedation protocols—though the authors appropriately highlight that the underlying biological mechanisms driving ligamentous repair remain unexplained and warrant further investigation. Whilst the results are encouraging, equine practitioners should note this represents a case series rather than a controlled trial; comparative efficacy data against established treatment protocols would strengthen the evidence base before widespread adoption into standard suspensory ligament management programmes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Low-frequency therapeutic ultrasound may offer a quick, sedation-free treatment option for suspensory ligament injuries with an 87% success rate in returning sport horses to competition
- •Most horses respond within 3-4 weeks of treatment, allowing relatively rapid rehabilitation timelines for sport horses
- •This technique is practical for field or clinic use and doesn't require specialized horse handling or restraint
Key Findings
- •87% of horses (20/23) treated with low-frequency ultrasound (EQ Pro, 38 kHz) returned to competition status following rehabilitation
- •Average treatment duration was 3.3 ± 0.4 weeks with healthy outcome confirmed by ultrasound at 6.8 ± 1.9 weeks
- •65% of horses achieved successful outcomes with treatment duration of ≤3.3 weeks
- •Noninvasive therapy required no sedation and was well-tolerated, suitable for routine clinical settings