An investigation into the occurrence of, and risk factors for, concurrent suspensory ligament injuries in horses with hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy
Authors: Gruyaert M., Pollard D., Dyson S. J.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Editorial Summary Concurrent suspensory ligament injuries represent a significant clinical concern in horses presenting with hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD), occurring in approximately 29% of affected cases. Gruyaert and colleagues conducted a retrospective analysis of 923 horses with ultrasonographically confirmed hindlimb PSD over a decade, examining which animals developed concurrent forelimb proximal suspensory desmitis or branch injuries (grade ≥2), and employing multivariable logistic regression to identify associated risk factors. Younger horses aged five years or under demonstrated 1.76 times greater odds of concurrent injury compared with older animals, whilst each unit increase in bodyweight:height ratio elevated risk 2.27-fold—a finding with particular relevance given concerns about poor conformation and overweight management in performance horses. Breed predisposition was notable, with Warmblood crosses (OR 3.3), Thoroughbreds (OR 2.9) and Irish Draught Horses (OR 3.5) showing substantially elevated risk relative to Thoroughbred crosses, whilst interestingly, ultrasonographic severity of hindlimb PSD did not predict concurrent injury. Clinicians managing young, heavier-framed or breed-susceptible horses presenting with hindlimb suspensory pathology should consider bilateral and contralateral limb evaluation essential, and coaches and nutritionists may need to reassess conditioning and weight management strategies in at-risk populations to mitigate polyligamentous injury.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •When diagnosing hindlimb PSD, screen all limbs for concurrent suspensory ligament injuries, especially in young horses and heavier-bodied individuals
- •Young horses and those with higher bodyweight:height ratios warrant closer monitoring and potentially modified work programs to prevent multiple suspensory ligament injuries
- •Certain breeds (Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Irish Draughts) show predisposition to concurrent suspensory injuries; consider this when assessing prognosis and rehabilitation
Key Findings
- •28.6% of horses with hindlimb PSD had concurrent suspensory ligament injuries in other limbs
- •Younger horses (≤5 years) were 1.76 times more likely to have concurrent SL injuries compared to older horses (≥6 years)
- •Risk of concurrent SL injuries increased 2.27-fold for each unit increase in bodyweight:height ratio
- •Warmblood crosses (OR 3.3), Thoroughbreds (OR 2.9), and Irish Draught horses (OR 3.5) had significantly higher risk than Thoroughbred crosses