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  Discussion on Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease? complications
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 2, 1999 - 11:05 am:

DrO,
We have a 27 yr old 1/2 Arab (other half gaited) with long pasterns that began to have degeneration in the hind tendons (ligaments?) about 4 years ago which allowed too much flexion in the pasterns.
Oct 1998 - left hind became loose enough that it stretched over the back of the hock and more toward the outside of the lower leg, which caused pain, swelling, and the movement of the leg toed out. Vets said there was nothing to do but support the hoof, give pain and swelling meds and hope that the tendon would calcify. Condition resolved in about 2 months.
LATE SEPT 1999 - she began moving slower than normal and the pasterns had both visibly DrOpped. Both pasterns are now past horizontal. Both vets suggested pain meds to make sure she was comfortable. "No Bute" was chosen over Aspirin or Bute as a trial because it would not cause any gastric distress. The first thru the third weeks of October were spent regulating the dose. She only needed 20ml No Bute/day (the equivalent of 1/2 gram Bute) to get results, but when she was taken off for even a day the slow movement returned. Vet decided to leave her on 20ml No Bute/day permanently.
LATE OCT 1999 - she began having more difficulty. Instead of moving slowly like before she would stop at random intervals, move again, stop, etc. (The movement stopped during the forward motion of the left hind.) No Bute was doubled, then doubled again with no effect.
1ST/2ND WEEK NOV 1999 - the stopping became more frequent and a lump was noticed about 2/3 of the way down the muscle of her butt to the left of the tail. It had no heat and was not uncomfortable upon palpation. She was given 3g regular Bute the first day and reduced to 2g for a week, then taken to 1g. For the first few days she seemed to move better, but after that the Bute didn't seem to be having any effect.
3RD WEEK OF NOV 1999 - Vet came out and upon palpation found a calcification about the size of a walnut just below the swelling. Thinks something might be catching on that calcification, and that the lump was possible hematoma. She used the laser on the lump as well as her stifle and DMSO/Sarracenia was dispensed to paint on the stifle. She then had 3 days of acupuncture with electric stimulation around the lump. It was less that half the original size after the first treatment and gone by the third, but the stopping still continued and she was getting even less willing to walk around. She was then given DMSO 20cc in 40cc saline IV. This seemed to improve the actual motion of the leg but not her willingness to move. Vet put her on muscle relaxer (Robaxin? 500mg - 2 in am, 3 in pm) and after 1 1/2 days she seems to be walking a little more willingly.
Vet is thinking that this is probably related to the continuing sinking pasterns. You had a previous posting about a possible injury to the muscle in the rump area that calcified and somehow caused the horse to slap the foot down during the forward motion while walking. Does it sound to you that we are on the right track with our treatment, or do you think that we should possibly be looking more toward what you talked about in the other posting. I think it was in 1996, but I can't find it again. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Kathleen

Posted on Friday, Dec 3, 1999 - 7:04 am:

Hello Kathleen,
Your primary problem is not DSLD but the luxated flexor tendon from the first paragraph. Horses that do not have this repaired surgically will usually remain pasture sound but not riding sound. I think at 27 I would not have recommended surgery. No doubt the DSLD is contributing to the problem however. What are your goals for this horse?
DrO

Posted on Friday, Dec 3, 1999 - 10:04 am:

DrO,
Thanks for the quick response. This mare is retired to pasture and our goal is simply to keep her comfortable and happy.
Kathleen

Posted on Friday, Dec 3, 1999 - 3:39 pm:

I dont think it sounds like you are having trouble with fibrotic myopathy. I believe I would make it inexpensive and simple so run this by your vet: start on low doses of bute, 1/2 to 1 gram twice daily as needed for pain and see if his quality of life can be made acceptable again.
DrO
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