FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Retrospective Analysis of Suspensory Ligament Branch Injurie...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(21); 3079; doi: 10.3390/ani15213079

Retrospective Analysis of Suspensory Ligament Branch Injuries in 70 Dressage Horses.

Abstract: There are no studies that have investigated factors influencing the outcome of dressage horses with suspensory ligament (SL) branch injuries. The aim was to determine if age, breed, work level, injury severity, anatomical localisation of injury, number of injured branches, periligamentous fibrosis, persistence of power Doppler signal or coexistent osteoarthritis of a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint influenced the prognosis of 70 dressage horses. Outcome was defined as good (return to pre-injury level of work or higher), poor (return to a lower level of work) or retirement. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to identify relationships between variables of interest and follow-up outcome. Follow-up outcome was good in 44/70 horses (62.9%), poor in 13/70 (18.6.%) and 13/70 horses (19.1%) were retired due to no response to treatment. Ultrasonographic lesion grade ( = 0.07), cross-sectional area (CSA) of the SL ( = 0.96), CSA of the lesion ( = 0.28) and the lesion CSA as a percentage of the SL CSA ( = 0.40) were not associated with outcome. Power Doppler signal was present in 75.8% of injured branches at the initial examination. The severity of power Doppler signal was not associated with outcome ( = 0.20); however, persistence of power Doppler signal was negatively associated with outcome ( < 0.001). Other variables did not influence the follow-up outcome. Early recognition of SL branch injury is likely to result in a more favourable outcome with appropriate treatment and management.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2025-10-23 PubMed ID: 41227410PubMed Central: PMC12607962DOI: 10.3390/ani15213079Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Retrospective analysis examined factors affecting the recovery of 70 dressage horses with suspensory ligament (SL) branch injuries to determine which variables influenced their return to work or retirement.

Study Objective and Background

  • The study aimed to identify variables influencing prognosis in dressage horses suffering from suspensory ligament branch injuries.
  • No prior research had investigated the outcome determinants in this specific group of horses.
  • Factors considered included demographic details, injury characteristics, and diagnostic imaging findings.

Methods

  • Retrospective data from 70 dressage horses diagnosed with SL branch injuries were analyzed.
  • Variables studied included:
    • Age and breed of the horse
    • Level of work prior to injury
    • Severity and anatomical location of the injury
    • Number of injured branches
    • Presence of periligamentous fibrosis (scar tissue around the ligament)
    • Persistence and severity of power Doppler ultrasound signals indicating blood flow in injured areas
    • Presence of osteoarthritis in the related metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints
  • Outcomes were classified as:
    • Good: return to pre-injury or higher work level
    • Poor: return to lower work level
    • Retirement: unable to return to work
  • Statistical tests used were Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis test to assess relationships between variables and outcome.

Key Results

  • Outcome distribution:
    • 62.9% (44 horses) had a good outcome
    • 18.6% (13 horses) had a poor outcome
    • 19.1% (13 horses) were retired due to non-response to treatment
  • Ultrasonographic measures:
    • Lesion grade, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ligament, and lesion CSA (absolute or as a percentage of ligament CSA) had no statistically significant association with outcome (p-values: 0.07 to 0.96).
  • Power Doppler ultrasound findings:
    • 75.8% of injured branches showed power Doppler signal at the initial exam, indicating blood flow in the lesions.
    • The initial severity of power Doppler signal was not linked to prognosis (p = 0.20).
    • However, persistence of power Doppler signal during follow-up was strongly associated with poorer outcomes (p < 0.001), meaning ongoing blood flow signals indicated worse healing and prognosis.
  • Other variables such as age, breed, work level, periligamentous fibrosis, number of branches injured, anatomical location, and presence of osteoarthritis did not significantly influence outcome.

Conclusions

  • Early detection and diagnosis of SL branch injuries in dressage horses are crucial for improving the chance of returning to prior or better work levels.
  • Persistence of blood flow signal on power Doppler during follow-up serves as a negative prognostic indicator, suggesting incomplete healing or ongoing injury activity.
  • Traditional measures of lesion size and severity are less predictive of outcome, emphasizing the importance of advanced imaging monitoring.
  • Management and treatment strategies should focus on early identification and closely monitoring vascular signals to optimize recovery.

Clinical Implications

  • Veterinarians should include power Doppler evaluation in assessing suspensory ligament branch injuries to better predict prognosis.
  • Follow-up exams monitoring persistence of vascular signals can guide treatment adjustments.
  • Relying solely on lesion size or anatomical location may be insufficient for prognostication.
  • Dressage horse trainers and owners benefit from early veterinary assessment when lameness appears to enhance outcomes.

Cite This Article

APA
Boado A, Pollard D, Dyson S. (2025). Retrospective Analysis of Suspensory Ligament Branch Injuries in 70 Dressage Horses. Animals (Basel), 15(21), 3079. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15213079

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 21
PII: 3079

Researcher Affiliations

Boado, Ana
  • Independent Researcher, Avenida Salmoral 4, Manzanares el Real, 28492 Madrid, Spain.
  • Medicine and Surgery Department, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Complutense, Moncloa-Aravaca, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Pollard, Danica
  • Independent Researcher, Rodham Road, Christchurch, Wisbech PE14 9NU, Cambridgeshire, UK.
Dyson, Sue
  • Independent Researcher, Church Road, Market Weston, Diss IP22 2NX, Suffolk, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

This article includes 64 references
  1. Marneris D., Dyson S.J. Clinical Features, Diagnostic Imaging Findings and Concurrent Injuries in 71 Sports Horses with Suspensory Branch Injuries. Equine Vet. Educ. 2014;26:312–321. doi: 10.1111/eve.12175.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.12175google scholar: lookup
  2. Minshall G.J., Wright I.M. Arthroscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Intra-Articular Insertional Injuries of the Suspensory Ligament Branches in 18 Horses. Equine Vet. J. 2006;38:10–14. doi: 10.2746/042516406775374243.
    doi: 10.2746/042516406775374243pubmed: 16411580google scholar: lookup
  3. Spadaro A., Iagnocco A., Perrotta F.M., Modesti M., Scarno A., Valesini G. Clinical and Ultrasonography Assessment of Peripheral Enthesitis in Ankylosing Spondylitis. Rheumatology. 2011;50:2080–2086. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ker284.
    doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ker284pubmed: 21875877google scholar: lookup
  4. Benjamin M., Toumi H., Ralphs J.R., Bydder G., Best T.M., Milz S. Where Tendons and Ligaments Meet Bone: Attachment Sites (‘entheses’) in Relation to Exercise and/or Mechanical Load. J. Anat. 2006;208:471–490. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00540.x.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00540.xpmc: PMC2100202pubmed: 16637873google scholar: lookup
  5. Denoix J.M. Functional Anatomy of Tendons and Ligaments in the Distal Limbs (Manus and Pes) Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 1994;10:273–322. doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(17)30358-9.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(17)30358-9pubmed: 7987720google scholar: lookup
  6. Denoix J.-M. Biomechanics and Physical Training of the Horse. 1st ed. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group; Boca Raton, FL, USA: 2013. Bioemechanical analysis of lateral movements: The forelimbs; pp. 72–80.
  7. Plevin S., McLellan J. The Effect of Insertional Suspensory Branch Desmitis on Racing Performance in Juvenile Thoroughbred Racehorses. Equine Vet. J. 2014;46:451–457. doi: 10.1111/evj.12161.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12161pubmed: 23937263google scholar: lookup
  8. McLellan J., Plevin S. Do Radiographic Signs of Sesamoiditis in Yearling Thoroughbreds Predispose the Development of Suspensory Ligament Branch Injury? Equine Vet. J. 2014;46:446–450. doi: 10.1111/evj.12154.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12154pubmed: 23909567google scholar: lookup
  9. Peat F.J., Kawcak C.E., McIlwraith C.W., Berk J.T., Keenan D.P., Selberg K.T., Ojeda A. Ultrasonography of the Suspensory Ligament Branches in Yearling and 2-Year-Old Thoroughbred Sales Horses: Prevalence, Progression of Findings and Associations with Racing Performance. Equine Vet. J. 2025;57:384–397. doi: 10.1111/evj.14137.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14137pmc: PMC11807942pubmed: 39007207google scholar: lookup
  10. Ramzan P.H.L., Palmer L., Dallas R.S., Shepherd M.C. Subclinical Ultrasonographic Abnormalities of the Suspensory Ligament Branch of the Athletic Horse: A Survey of 60 Thoroughbred Racehorses. Equine Vet. J. 2013;45:159–163. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00588.x.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00588.xpubmed: 22607323google scholar: lookup
  11. Fairburn A.J., Busschers E., Barr A.R.S. Subclinical Ultrasonographic Abnormalities of the Suspensory Ligament Branches in National Hunt Racehorses. Equine Vet. J. 2017;49:475–479. doi: 10.1111/evj.12639.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12639pubmed: 27662244google scholar: lookup
  12. Read R.M., Boys-Smith S., Bathe A.P. Subclinical Ultrasonographic Abnormalities of the Suspensory Ligament Branches Are Common in Elite Showjumping Warmblood Horses. Front. Vet. Sci. 2020;7:117. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00117.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00117pmc: PMC7092662pubmed: 32258068google scholar: lookup
  13. Rabba S., Grulke S., Verwilghen D., Evrard L., Busoni V. B-Mode and Power Doppler Ultrasonography of the Equine Suspensory Ligament Branches: A Descriptive Study on 13 Horses. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2018;59:453–460. doi: 10.1111/vru.12610.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.12610pubmed: 29498123google scholar: lookup
  14. International Equestrian Federation . FEI Dressage Handbook Guidelines for Judging. Féderation Equestre Internationale; Laussane, Switzerland: 2007.
  15. Féderation Equestre Internationale Dressage Rules 26th Edition, Effective 1 January 2024. [(accessed on 23 July 2025)]. Available online: www.fei.org/fei/regulations/dressage.
  16. Clayton H.M., Hobbs S.J. A Review of Biomechanical Gait Classification with Reference to Collected Trot, Passage and Piaffe in Dressage Horses. Animals. 2019;9:763. doi: 10.3390/ani9100763.
    doi: 10.3390/ani9100763pmc: PMC6826507pubmed: 31623360google scholar: lookup
  17. Walker V.A., Tranquille C.A., Newton J.R., Dyson S.J., Brandham J., Northrop A.J., Murray R.C. Comparison of Limb Kinematics between Collected and Lengthened (Medium/Extended) Trot in Two Groups of Dressage Horses on Two Different Surfaces. Equine Vet. J. 2017;49:673–680. doi: 10.1111/evj.12661.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12661pubmed: 28052378google scholar: lookup
  18. Dyson S., Murray R. Management of Hindlimb Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy by Neurectomy of the Deep Branch of the Lateral Plantar Nerve and Plantar Fasciotomy: 155 Horses (2003–2008) Equine Vet. J. 2012;44:361–367. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00445.x.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00445.xpubmed: 21883416google scholar: lookup
  19. Gruyaert M., Pollard D., Dyson S.J. An Investigation into the Occurrence of, and Risk Factors for Concurrent Suspensory Ligament Injuries in Horses with Hindlimb Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy. Equine Vet. Educ. 2020;32:173–182. doi: 10.1111/eve.13187.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13187google scholar: lookup
  20. Murray R.C., Walters J.M., Snart H., Dyson S.J., Parkin T.D.H. Identification of Risk Factors for Lameness in Dressage Horses. Vet. J. 2010;184:27–36. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.020.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.020pubmed: 19369100google scholar: lookup
  21. Boado A., Pollard D., Dyson S. A Retrospective Study of the Evolution of Orthopaedic Injuries in 70 Dressage Horses. Animals. 2025;15:1740. doi: 10.3390/ani15121740.
    doi: 10.3390/ani15121740pmc: PMC12189668pubmed: 40564292google scholar: lookup
  22. Boado A., Pollard D., Lopez-Sanroman J., Dyson S. Orthopaedic injuries in 272 dressage horses: A retrospective study. Animals. 2025;15:2972. doi: 10.3390/ani15202972.
    doi: 10.3390/ani15202972pmc: PMC12560884pubmed: 41153899google scholar: lookup
  23. Bassage L.H., Ross M.W. Diagnostic Analgesia. In: Ross M.W., Dyson S.J., editors. Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse. 2nd ed. W.B. Saunders; Saint Louis, MO, USA: 2011. pp. 100–135.
  24. Szkudlarek M., Court-Payen M., Jacobsen S., Klarlund M., Thomsen H.S., Østergaard M. Interobserver Agreement in Ultrasonography of the Finger and Toe Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2003;48:955–962. doi: 10.1002/art.10877.
    doi: 10.1002/art.10877pubmed: 12687537google scholar: lookup
  25. Butler J.A., Colles C.M., Dyson S.J., Kold S.E., Poulos P.W. Clinical Radiology of the Horse. 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; Oxford, UK: 2016. Metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joints; pp. 175–213.
  26. Butler J.A., Colles C.M., Dyson S.J., Kold S.E., Poulos P.W. Clinical Radiology of the Horse. 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; Oxford, UK: 2016. General Principles; pp. 1–39.
  27. Lloyd K.A., Ayodele B.A., Hitchens P.L., Beck C., Mackie E.J., Whitton R.C. Associations between the Radiographic Appearance of Vascular Channels in Proximal Sesamoid Bones, Their Microstructural Characteristics and Past Racing Performance in Thoroughbreds. Equine Vet. J. 2020;52:670–677. doi: 10.1111/evj.13239.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13239pubmed: 31991478google scholar: lookup
  28. Boorman S., McMaster M.A., Groover E., Caldwell F. Review of Glucocorticoid Therapy in Horses: Intra-Articular Corticosteroids. Equine Vet. Educ. 2023;35:327–336. doi: 10.1111/eve.13719.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13719google scholar: lookup
  29. Perneger T.V. Adjusting for Multiple Testing in Studies Is Less Important than Other Concerns. Brit Med. J. 1999;318:1288. doi: 10.1136/bmj.318.7193.1288a.
    doi: 10.1136/bmj.318.7193.1288apmc: PMC1115668pubmed: 10231278google scholar: lookup
  30. Rabba S., Petrucci V., Petrizzi L., Giommi D.W., Busoni V. B-Mode Ultrasonographic Abnormalities and Power Doppler Signal in Suspensory Ligament Branches of Nonlame Working Quarter Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2020;94:453–460. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103254.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103254pubmed: 33077065google scholar: lookup
  31. Simon D., Kleyer A., Bayat S., Knitza J., Valor-Mendez L., Schweiger M., Schett G., Tascilar K., Hueber A.J. Biomechanical Stress in the Context of Competitive Sports Training Triggers Enthesitis. Arthritis Res. Ther. 2021;23:172. doi: 10.1186/s13075-021-02530-x.
    doi: 10.1186/s13075-021-02530-xpmc: PMC8215784pubmed: 34154651google scholar: lookup
  32. Joostens Z., Audigié F., de la Rebière de Pouyade G., Garigliany M.M., Busoni V. Histological Study of the Normal Proximal Third Interosseus Muscle Enthesis in the Equine Pelvic Limb. J. Vet. Med. Series C Anat. Histol. Embryol. 2025;54:e70059. doi: 10.1111/ahe.70059.
    doi: 10.1111/ahe.70059pubmed: 40728262google scholar: lookup
  33. Peat F.J., Kawcak C.E., McIlwraith C.W., Keenan D.P., Berk J.T., Mork D.S. Radiological Findings in the Proximal Sesamoid Bones of Yearling and 2-Year-Old Thoroughbred Sales Horses: Prevalence, Progression and Associations with Racing Performance. Equine Vet. J. 2025;57:87–100. doi: 10.1111/evj.14051.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14051pmc: PMC11616954pubmed: 38237926google scholar: lookup
  34. Le Goff B., Berthelot J.M., Guillot P., Glémarec J., Maugars Y. Assessment of Calcific Tendonitis of Rotator Cuff by Ultrasonography: Comparison between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Shoulders. Jt. Bone Spine. 2010;77:258–263. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2010.01.012.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2010.01.012pubmed: 20434387google scholar: lookup
  35. Boesen M.I., Boesen M., Langberg H., Koenig M.J., Boesen A., Bliddal H., Torp-Pedersen S. Musculoskeletal Colour/Power Doppler in Sports Medicine: Image Parameters, Artefacts, Image Interpretation and Therapy. Clin. Exp. Rheumatol. 2010;28:103–113.
    pubmed: 20346250
  36. Rubin J.M. Musculoskeletal Power Doppler. Eur. Radiol. 1999;9:403–406. doi: 10.1007/PL00014084.
    doi: 10.1007/PL00014084pubmed: 10602939google scholar: lookup
  37. Zanetti M., Metzdorf A., Kundert H.P., Zollinger H., Vienne P., Seifert B., Hodler J. Achilles Tendons: Clinical Relevance of Neovascularization Diagnosed with Power Doppler US. Radiology. 2003;227:556–560. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2272012069.
    doi: 10.1148/radiol.2272012069pubmed: 12663820google scholar: lookup
  38. Newman J.S., Adler R.S., Bude R.O., Rubin J.M. Detection of Soft-Tissue Hyperemia: Value of Power Doppler Sonography. Am. J. Roent. 1994;163:385–389. doi: 10.2214/ajr.163.2.8037037.
    doi: 10.2214/ajr.163.2.8037037pubmed: 8037037google scholar: lookup
  39. Wakefield R.J., Brown A.K., O’Connor P.J., Emery P. Power Doppler Sonography: Improving Disease Activity Assessment in Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Disease. Arthritis Rheum. 2003;48:285–288. doi: 10.1002/art.10818.
    doi: 10.1002/art.10818pubmed: 12571834google scholar: lookup
  40. Du Toit C., Stieler M., Saunders R., Bisset L., Vicenzino B. Diagnostic Accuracy of Power Doppler Ultrasound in Patients with Chronic Tennis Elbow. Br. J. Sports Med. 2008;42:572–576. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2007.043901.
    doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2007.043901pubmed: 18308874google scholar: lookup
  41. Bhasin S., Cheung P.P. The Role of Power Doppler Ultrasonography as Disease Activity Marker in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dis. Markers. 2015;2015:325909. doi: 10.1155/2015/325909.
    doi: 10.1155/2015/325909pmc: PMC4433665pubmed: 26063952google scholar: lookup
  42. Carotti M., Galeazzi V., Catucci F., Zappia M., Arrigoni F., Barile A., Giovagnoni A. Clinical Utility of Eco-Color-Power Doppler Ultrasonography and Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Interpretation and Quantification of Joint Synovitis: A Review. Acta Biomed. 2018;89:48–77. doi: 10.23750/abm.v89i1-S.7010.
    doi: 10.23750/abm.v89i1-S.7010pmc: PMC6179068pubmed: 29350637google scholar: lookup
  43. Murata D., Misumi K., Fujiki M. A Preliminary Study of Diagnostic Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonitis. J. Vet. Med. Sci. 2012;74:1639–1642. doi: 10.1292/jvms.12-0177.
    doi: 10.1292/jvms.12-0177pubmed: 22813929google scholar: lookup
  44. Eliasson P., Couppé C., Lonsdale M., Svensson R.B., Neergaard C., Kjær M., Friberg L., Magnusson S.P. Ruptured Human Achilles Tendon Has Elevated Metabolic Activity up to 1 Year after Repair. Eur. J. Nucl. Med. Mol. Imaging. 2016;43:1868–1877. doi: 10.1007/s00259-016-3379-4.
    doi: 10.1007/s00259-016-3379-4pubmed: 27072812google scholar: lookup
  45. Daniel A.J., Judy C.E., Saveraid T. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal Region in Clinically Lame Horses Responding to Diagnostic Analgesia of the Palmar Nerves at the Base of the Proximal Sesamoid Bones: Five Cases. Equine Vet. Educ. 2013;25:222–228. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2011.00246.x.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2011.00246.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  46. Brommer H., Van Weeren P.R., Brama P.A.J., Barneveld A. Quantification and Age-Related Distribution of Articular Cartilage Degeneration in the Equine Fetlock Joint. Equine Vet. J. 2003;35:697–701. doi: 10.2746/042516403775696357.
    doi: 10.2746/042516403775696357pubmed: 14649362google scholar: lookup
  47. Sherlock C.E., Mair T.S., Ter Braake F. Osseous Lesions in the Metacarpo(Tarso)Phalangeal Joint Diagnosed Using Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Standing Horses. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2009;50:13–20. doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2008.01484.x.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2008.01484.xpubmed: 19241749google scholar: lookup
  48. Vandersmissen M., Evrard L., Charles A., Audigié F., Busoni V. Diagnostic Imaging Findings in Lame Warmblood Horses with Bone Injuries of the Medial Proximal Phalanx Glenoid Cavity. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2025;66:e13449. doi: 10.1111/vru.13449.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.13449pubmed: 39377553google scholar: lookup
  49. Faulkner J.E., Joostens Z., Broeckx B.J.G., Hauspie S., Mariën T., Vanderperren K. Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Proximal Phalanx in Non-Racing Sport Horses. Equine Vet. J. 2025;57:140–152. doi: 10.1111/evj.14088.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14088pubmed: 38566459google scholar: lookup
  50. Nagy A., Dyson S.J. Combined Standing Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Fan-Beam Computed Tomographic Diagnosis of Fetlock Region Pain in 27 Sports Horses. Equine Vet. J. 2025;57:1313–1327. doi: 10.1111/evj.14504.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14504pmc: PMC12326934pubmed: 40123444google scholar: lookup
  51. Dyson S. (Independent Researcher, Diss, UK). Unpublished Data. 2012–2019.
  52. Hansen S.H., Bramlage L.R., Moore G.E. Racing Performance of Thoroughbred Racehorses with Suspensory Ligament Branch Desmitis Treated with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (2010–2019) Equine Vet. J. 2024;56:503–513. doi: 10.1111/evj.13980.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13980pubmed: 37534804google scholar: lookup
  53. Pluim M., Martens A., Vanderperren K., van Weeren R., Oosterlinck M., Dewulf J., Kichouh M., Van Thielen B., Koene M.H.W., Luciani A., et al. High-Power Laser Therapy Improves Healing of the Equine Suspensory Branch in a Standardized Lesion Model. Front. Vet. Sci. 2020;7:600. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00600.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00600pmc: PMC7494822pubmed: 33102552google scholar: lookup
  54. Pluim M., Martens A., Vanderperren K., Sarazin S., Koene M., Luciani A., van Weeren P., Delesalle C. Short- and long term follow-up of 150 sports horses diagnosed with tendinopathy or desmopathy by ultrasonographic examination and treated with high-power laser therapy. Res. Vet. Sci. 2018;119:232–238. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.06.003.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.06.003pubmed: 30005398google scholar: lookup
  55. Kadic D.T.N., Minshall G.J., Wright I.M. Surgical Management of Marginal Tears/Avulsions of the Suspensory Ligament Branches in 29 Thoroughbred Racehorses. Equine Vet. J. 2019;51:310–315. doi: 10.1111/evj.13020.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13020pubmed: 30206960google scholar: lookup
  56. Lőffeld S., Boening K.J., Weitkamp K., Stadler P. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy for horses with chronic insertion desmopathy of the proximal suspensory ligament–a controlled study. Pferdeheilkunde. 2002;18((Suppl. S2)):147–154. doi: 10.21836/PEM20020203.
    doi: 10.21836/PEM20020203google scholar: lookup
  57. Crowe O.M., Dyson S.J., Wright I.M., Schramme M.C., Smith R. Treatment of chronic or recurrent proximal suspensory desmitis using radial pressure wave therapy in the horse. Equine Vet. J. 2004;36:313–316. doi: 10.2746/0425164044890562.
    doi: 10.2746/0425164044890562pubmed: 15163037google scholar: lookup
  58. Osborne C. Does extracorporeal shockwave therapy or radial pressure wave therapy improve return to function over conservative and/or surgical management in horses with proximal suspensory desmitis? Equine Vet. Educ. 2021;33:278–280. doi: 10.1111/eve.13352.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13352google scholar: lookup
  59. Johnson S., Richards R., Frisbie D., Esselman A., McClure S. Equine shock wave therapy-where are we now? Equine Vet. J. 2023;55:593–606. doi: 10.1111/evj.13890.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13890pubmed: 36210719google scholar: lookup
  60. Boström A., Bergh A., Hyytiäinen H., Asplund K. Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Sport and Companion Animals: Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy. Animals. 2022;12:3124. doi: 10.3390/ani12223124.
    doi: 10.3390/ani12223124pmc: PMC9686741pubmed: 36428352google scholar: lookup
  61. Pezzanite L., Bass L., Kawcak C., Goodrich L., Moorman V. The Relationship between Sagittal Hoof Conformation and Hindlimb Lameness in the Horse. Equine Vet. J. 2019;51:464–469. doi: 10.1111/evj.13050.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13050pubmed: 30472759google scholar: lookup
  62. Hodgson D., McGowan C. An Overview of Performance and Sports Medicine. In: Hodgson D., McGowan C., McKeever C., editors. The Athletic Horse: Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Elsevier, Saunders; Saint Louis, MO, USA: 2013. pp. 1–8.
  63. Murray R.C., Walters J., Snart H., Dyson S., Parkin T. How Do Features of Dressage Arenas Influence Training Surface Properties Which Are Potentially Associated with Lameness? Vet. J. 2010;186:172–179. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.04.026.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.04.026pubmed: 20888276google scholar: lookup
  64. Smyth E.A., Newman P., Waddington G., Weissensteiner J.R., Drew M.K. Injury Prevention Strategies Specific to Pre-Elite Athletes Competing in Olympic and Professional Sports-A Systematic Review. J. Sci. Med. Sport. 2019;22:887–901. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.03.002.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.03.002pubmed: 30930142google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,001 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.