This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Lower Limb » Suspensory Desmitis, Strain, & Sprain »
  Discussion on PSD of hindleg
Author Message
Member:
Spruss

Posted on Sunday, Feb 12, 2006 - 11:01 pm:

Dr. O,

I have a 22 year old appendix QH mare who sustained a MCL rupture of the L stifle about a year and a half ago. Since then, she's been retired and out to pasture. She'd been doing relatively well, but late last fall was found to have PSD of the R hindleg. She's been rested now (with paddock turnout/stall rest)for about 6 months on conservative therapy. However, she is improving only marginally, and still has some warmth and edema. Further, I am also noticing quite a bit of DrOp in the R hind which has not really improved from the initial injury itself. My concern is that if I turn her out again in the spring and she runs loose, that she may rupture the ligament. On the other hand, I am wondering if the swelling is fibrous scar tissue and will not entirely resolve. The degree of laxity I am observing is worrisome, especially since it's been 6 months. Any advice?

Sherese
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Feb 13, 2006 - 7:24 am:

What is the body condition of the mare Sherese?
DrO
Member:
Spruss

Posted on Monday, Feb 13, 2006 - 8:51 pm:

Dr O,

She is in good condition overall and more on the thin side. Really no significant lameness problems since the stifle injury, so I am wondering in the PSD injury on the R was from overuse or compensation. No idea how she injured it since she is retired and out at pasture mostly. She's never had a PSD before and does not have long pasterns/low heel or straight hocks which would predispose her for the condition. Your thoughts?

Sherese
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 14, 2006 - 6:53 am:

I think it is from overuse Sherese. I do think it is important to limit her exercise, get her weight down to thin, and she needs a good soft place to lay down to rest. There is not much more I can offer since I cannot fix the cause: the stifle injury. To treat the pain, heat, and swelling, phenylbute and pressure wrapping are logical.
DrO
Member:
Spruss

Posted on Thursday, Feb 16, 2006 - 11:44 pm:

Dr. O,

What is the prognosis at this point for my mare with regard to the suspensory? I had hoped that after 6 months I would notice less DrOp. Although the swelling has decreased, this is not the case. I understand that edema and heat reduction does not necessarily equate to a healed tear. Is the laxity something that I would notice improvement over a period of time or can it be affected by scar tissue formation that is chronic around an unhealed tear. Would you recommend shock therapy at this juncture or do you see this having limited efficacy given the circumstances of the injury and the apparent chronicity?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Feb 17, 2006 - 7:38 am:

From what you post above Sherese, I think the prognosis is guarded even with continued limited exercise but I don't think you are going to get the laxity back. However I would think the person examining the horse could give a more accurate appraisal. Shock therapy has a very small chance of improving the problem and unless money and time flow freely in your world I would not recommend it.
DrO
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC