## Overview Suspensory apparatus failure is catastrophic disruption of the structures that support the fetlock (suspensory ligament, sesamoid bones, and often the superficial digital flexor tendon). The fetlock drops toward or onto the ground. It is a career-ending and often life-threatening emergency in racehorses. ## Causes Extreme hyperextension, usually at high speed, often after sesamoid fracture. ## Diagnosis Obvious dropped fetlock and severe lameness. ## Treatment Emergency stabilization. Surgical repair is rarely successful in complete breakdowns. Euthanasia is common. ## Recovery and Prognosis Grave for complete failure. ## Prevention Monitoring for early suspensory or sesamoid injury in racehorses.
fetlock drops toward or contacts the ground; severe lameness; career-ending or life-threatening in racehorses
## Overview Suspensory apparatus failure is catastrophic disruption of the structures that support the fetlock (suspensory ligament, sesamoid bones, and often the superficial digital flexor tendon). The fetlock drops toward or onto the ground. It is a career-ending and often life-threatening emergency in racehorses. ## Causes Extreme hyperextension, usually at high speed, often after sesamoid fracture. ## Diagnosis Obvious dropped fetlock and severe lameness. ## Treatment Emergency stabilization. Surgical repair is rarely successful in complete breakdowns. Euthanasia is common. ## Recovery and Prognosis Grave for complete failure. ## Prevention Monitoring for early suspensory or sesamoid injury in racehorses.
fetlock drops toward or contacts the ground; severe lameness; career-ending or life-threatening in racehorses