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Discussion on Suspensory ligament detached from bone

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Elisabeth A.Gant (Lizzy1)
Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 12:23 am:   Edit PostPrint Post
My 5 year old quarter horse had firm swelling in his lateral seasmoid area (when he was 4)--it was x-rayed to rule out any breaks-it was diagnosed as the suspensory ligament pulled away from the bone--he was given 6 months rest, Ixoproxine and bute...he appeared better and we started riding him (not strenuously at first, but then some loping in the arena) His "lump" came back and a slight limp--the vet said he would probably always have this problem (as there is scar tissue and the tendon can't totally reattach) and would possibly have to be on Ixoproxine and "rest" on and off for the remainder of his life. So basically he is lame and unusable for anything beyond gentle trail rides (which I cannot do in the area we live in for it is hills and rocks) My questions are: Has anyone ever had a horse with a similar problem? Did the horse ever become usable? Any suggestions for what I can do with this horse other than auction(which I don't want to do) He is a very gentle, calm horse--any suggestions? I can't afford to keep him as a pet. Has anyone heard of any alternative treatments that may be effective? Thanks
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)
Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 6:46 am:   Edit PostPrint Post
Hello Elisabeth,
The problem with a post like this is that even with the description you provide there is so much variation in an injury of this type that much more information needs to be obtained before a prognosis or comparasion to a similar injury can be made. Also your description is a little inconsistant with the diagnosis.

Usually when the ligament pulls away from the bone it takes a bit of bone with it but swelling is minimal and when present acutely presents with the lameness. Some of this information needed is:
1) amount of bone avulsed
2) location of avulsion
3) degree of abdution of the avulsed fragment
4) amount of ligament damaged and severity of damage
In general the prognosis for a avulsion fractures of the sesmoidean ligament is good but your description sounds more like you are dealing with desmitis of the lateral branch of the suspensory.

I would recommned a reevaluation of the injury and if there is no clear reason this cannot heal try one year of rest of this injury beginning with stall rest and presure bandaging as long as lame and swelling is present.
DrO
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