
Suspensory Ligament
Desmitis Treatment
- Case Study 3
Suspensory Ligament Desmitis Treatment
Treatment of Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD)
Patient Profile
Age: 12-year-old
Breed: Andalusian
Gender: Gelding
Injury: Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD)
Date of Injury: 2020
Initial Management:
Conservative treatment focused on conditioning and strengthening the hindquarters. Shoeing adjustments were implemented, including the application of extended heel shoes in June 2024 to improve support and alignment.

Diagnostic Update:
A follow-up ultrasound (see above) on 02.07.2024 revealed persistent pathology in the suspensory ligament branches, indicating progressive degeneration. In response, EqueStride injury support management was initiated on 22.07.2024.​
​​Biomechanical Assessment at Treatment Onset:
Fetlock hyperextension was measured using internal guidelines :
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Left Hind (LH): –20° during walk
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Right Hind (RH): –15° during walk
Clinical Observations Prior to EqueStride Injury Management:
The owner reported that the gelding consistently adopted a stance with his hind limbs placed forward and underneath his body, suggestive of compensatory behaviour due to suspensory discomfort.


Visual reference taken on 22.07.2024 to track progress
Visual reference taken on 23.08.2024 to track progress
1 Month Post-EqueStride Injury Management:
Significant improvement in fetlock stability was observed following one month of Equestride support management.
Fetlock Hyperextension Measurements (at walk):
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Left Hind (LH): –5°
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Right Hind (RH): –10°
These values reflect a marked reduction in hyperextension compared to initial measurements, indicating a positive response to treatment and improved suspensory support.
8 Weeks Post-Equestride Injury Management
At the 8-weeks, the gelding continued to show encouraging progress with improved fetlock stability.
Fetlock Hyperextension Measurements (at walk):
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Left Hind (LH): –5°
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Right Hind (RH): –5°
These values reflect a notable improvement from baseline, indicating a positive and sustained response to the EqueStride rehabilitation device.

Visual reference taken on
19.09.2024 to track progress
Rehabilitation Progress – October 2024
The owner reported a reduction in palpable swelling over the suspensory branches, with improved definition around the fetlock region.
​
A follow-up ultrasound examination conducted on 23.10.2024 revealed a mild residual increase in the diameter of the left hind medial suspensory branch. However, echogenicity and structural integrity had significantly improved, with a well-organised fibre pattern at the branch insertion, indicating positive tissue remodeling.
​
Ridden Work Initiation:
Ridden exercise commenced on 10.10.2024 using the EqueStride device, marking three months since the start of treatment.
​
Rehabilitation Protocol:
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Gradual increase in device wear time, reaching 8–9 hours per day at the highest support setting (Level 4).
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Controlled turnout maintained in a small paddock throughout the rehabilitation period to minimize strain and support recovery.
