## Overview Suspensory branch injuries are tears of the medial or lateral branches where they insert on the sesamoid bones. They are very common in racehorses and eventers. Acute lameness, localized swelling, heat, and pain are typical. Ultrasound confirms the fiber damage. ## Causes Hyperextension overload. ## Diagnosis Ultrasound. ## Treatment Rest, controlled rehabilitation, foot balancing, and adjunct therapies as indicated. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair to good with adequate time. ## Prevention Foot balance and training management.
acute lameness; swelling over the affected branch; heat; pain on palpation; ultrasound fiber disruption
## Overview Suspensory branch injuries are tears of the medial or lateral branches where they insert on the sesamoid bones. They are very common in racehorses and eventers. Acute lameness, localized swelling, heat, and pain are typical. Ultrasound confirms the fiber damage. ## Causes Hyperextension overload. ## Diagnosis Ultrasound. ## Treatment Rest, controlled rehabilitation, foot balancing, and adjunct therapies as indicated. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair to good with adequate time. ## Prevention Foot balance and training management.
acute lameness; swelling over the affected branch; heat; pain on palpation; ultrasound fiber disruption