A 23-year-old teaching horse from Leipzig University with longstanding Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD) in both hind limbs developed a new acute lesion affecting the left hind suspensory ligament (SL) and distal sesamoidean ligaments in December 2024. Clinical examination initially revealed swelling above and below the left hind fetlock, pain on palpation, marked discomfort in the left hind limb, and significant fetlock hyperextension in both hind limbs.

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Early ultrasound findings showed active ligament injury with loss of fibre pattern and hypoechoic regions. Follow up scans showed substantial improvement, with the lesions described as “healing” and the left hind limb improving significantly over time.

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Initial lameness status:

• Left hind limb painful with difficulty weight-bearing 

• Progressive improvement to comfortable weight-bearing on both hind limbs

• Reduced swelling and improved comfort during rehabilitation

 

Rehabilitation included:

• EqueStride support beginning on 17 January 2025

• Gradual increase in assisted support time from 15 minutes daily to 4 hours per limb

• Controlled hand walking progressing to turnout and short walking exercise on hard ground

• Use of EquiCrown compression bandaging alongside support therapy

 

Medical management included:

• Flunixin initially

• Later transition back to Equioxx for comfort support