## Overview Suspensory branch desmitis is inflammation or tearing of one of the branches of the suspensory ligament just above the fetlock. It is common in racehorses and eventers. Signs include acute lameness, swelling, heat, and pain over the affected branch. Ultrasound shows fiber disruption. Foot imbalance is a frequent predisposing factor. ## Causes Overload, often with foot imbalance. ## Diagnosis Palpation and ultrasound. ## Treatment Rest, foot balancing, and sometimes shock wave or regenerative therapy. Recovery takes months. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair to good. Re-injury risk is higher with marked fibrosis or fetlock hyperextension. ## Prevention Correct foot balance and progressive training.
acute lameness; swelling, heat, and pain over the branch just above the fetlock; ultrasound fiber disruption
## Overview Suspensory branch desmitis is inflammation or tearing of one of the branches of the suspensory ligament just above the fetlock. It is common in racehorses and eventers. Signs include acute lameness, swelling, heat, and pain over the affected branch. Ultrasound shows fiber disruption. Foot imbalance is a frequent predisposing factor. ## Causes Overload, often with foot imbalance. ## Diagnosis Palpation and ultrasound. ## Treatment Rest, foot balancing, and sometimes shock wave or regenerative therapy. Recovery takes months. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair to good. Re-injury risk is higher with marked fibrosis or fetlock hyperextension. ## Prevention Correct foot balance and progressive training.
acute lameness; swelling, heat, and pain over the branch just above the fetlock; ultrasound fiber disruption