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Discussion on Treatment of desmitis
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Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2000 - 2:46 pm:
Greetings.
Our QH mare who is 16, injured her suspensory ligaments on a hind leg back in March (probably from either deep snow or mud--it was that kind of spring). She has now re-injured herself (more mud--it's been that kind of summer).
My question is, the treatment recommended by the two vets differs dramatically.
She is currently on on total stall rest for 10 days, then hand-walking 5 minutes a day, increasing as tolerated fro three weeks.
In March, however, the other vet we had recommended she only be off for about two weeks.
Frankly, we're at the 10 day mark and she is in no way ready for hand-walking. She is still hot and swollen, though improved.
Is there a standard protocol for treatment of this injury?
Is icing appropriate until all heat has gone?
I have been reading the message here and I am very concerned about the prognosis. I suspect she was used for reining years ago and this is a problem that is not going to go away.
Thank you.
Jane W
Ottawa, canada
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2000 - 1:11 pm:
Hello Jane,
No, there is no standard treatment. Suspensory desmitis can vary between a mild sprain to a tear in the ligament: they each will require different rest regimens.
I have to admit both vets are pretty optimistic for the long run: in general suspensory injuries heal slowly and two to three months of rest with daily hand walking is pretty standard. So when do you start the hand walking? I usually wait until the palpable heat is out of the area and walking is comfortable. If the suspensory is torn walking is important to help the repair tissue realign along stress lines.
DrO
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