## Overview Proximal suspensory desmitis is inflammation or tearing at the origin of the suspensory ligament high in the cannon bone. It is a very common cause of lameness in sport horses, affecting both forelimbs and hind limbs. Onset is often gradual. Lameness is worse on soft footing and circles, and bilateral cases may appear as stiffness rather than obvious lameness. Forelimb cases respond well to rest; hind-limb cases are more challenging. ## Causes Repetitive overload. ## Diagnosis Diagnostic analgesia, ultrasound, and sometimes magnetic resonance imaging. ## Treatment Rest and controlled rehabilitation (often 3 to 6 months). Shock wave, regenerative therapies, or surgery (neurectomy and fasciotomy) for refractory hind-limb cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent (around 90 percent) for acute forelimb cases with adequate rest. Guarded to fair for hind-limb proximal suspensory desmitis. ## Prevention Progressive conditioning and appropriate surfaces.
gradual-onset lameness; worse on soft footing; may appear as stiffness if bilateral; pain on palpation of proximal cannon; positive to diagnostic analgesia
## Overview Proximal suspensory desmitis is inflammation or tearing at the origin of the suspensory ligament high in the cannon bone. It is a very common cause of lameness in sport horses, affecting both forelimbs and hind limbs. Onset is often gradual. Lameness is worse on soft footing and circles, and bilateral cases may appear as stiffness rather than obvious lameness. Forelimb cases respond well to rest; hind-limb cases are more challenging. ## Causes Repetitive overload. ## Diagnosis Diagnostic analgesia, ultrasound, and sometimes magnetic resonance imaging. ## Treatment Rest and controlled rehabilitation (often 3 to 6 months). Shock wave, regenerative therapies, or surgery (neurectomy and fasciotomy) for refractory hind-limb cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent (around 90 percent) for acute forelimb cases with adequate rest. Guarded to fair for hind-limb proximal suspensory desmitis. ## Prevention Progressive conditioning and appropriate surfaces.
gradual-onset lameness; worse on soft footing; may appear as stiffness if bilateral; pain on palpation of proximal cannon; positive to diagnostic analgesia