🩺 Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis: A Vet’s 2025 Guide | Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Meta description: 🩺 A 2025 vet’s guide by Dr Duncan Houston on DSLD—recognize signs, diagnostics, management & prevention with Ask A Vet support.

1. 🧐 What is DSLD?

Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), also known as Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation (ESPA), is a progressive condition where connective tissues—particularly suspensory ligaments—degenerate. Affected horses show “dropped fetlocks” due to weakening support structures :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Mid- to older-age horses, diverse breeds—all can be affected :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

2. 🧠 How DSLD Develops

DSLD stems from excessive proteoglycan buildup between collagen fibers, which destabilizes ligament structure. It’s now recognised as a systemic disorder—not limited to limbs, but also affecting tissues like the nuchal ligament, arteries, eye sclera, and even the aorta :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Hereditary links are suggested by its prevalence in certain lines, like Peruvian Pasos, though no definitive genetic test exists yet :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

3. ⚠️ Recognising Early Signs

• Subtle intermittent lameness—a few legs affected, shifting lameness :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Swelling/heat, firm thickening along the suspensory ligaments :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Fetlock drops downward—“coon-footed” appearance—and straighter hocks/stifles :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Gait becomes robot-like; difficulty rising, frequent resting against objects :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

4. 🩺 How Vets Diagnose DSLD

Diagnosis is clinical, backed by imaging:

1. Palpation—pain, thickened ligaments :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
2. Fetlock flexion tests—trot-off reactions even if mild :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
3. Ultrasound—shows diffuse enlargement, abnormal fiber pattern, decreased echogenicity :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Other imaging or biopsies may be used, though post-mortem is required for definitive confirmation :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

5. 🛠️ Management Strategies

With no cure, management focuses on comfort, mobility, and slowing progression:

5.1 NSAIDs & Pain Relief

Chronic NSAID therapy (e.g., phenylbutazone, flunixin, firocoxib) reduces inflammation and discomfort—monitor for side effects like ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

5.2 Supportive Shoeing & Boots

Corrective farriery—wedge shoes and supportive pads—and leg compression boots help distribute weight and reduce fetlock stress :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

5.3 Controlled Exercise & Turnout

Light exercise 2–3 times weekly (walk/trot unmounted) and ample turnout preserves muscle tone and joint function—stall rest is not ideal :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

5.4 Nutritional Support & Supplements

Diet modifications—low-starch fibre-base, oils, antioxidants (vitamin E, selenium, omega‑3s), and connective tissue support like MSM—may aid ligament health :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

5.5 Alternative & Regenerative Therapies

Options under investigation include shockwave, laser, magnetic therapy, acupuncture, PRP, stem cells, though results remain experimental :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}. Dynamic support devices like TendonPro DSS boots show early promise in slowing progression :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

6. 📉 Prognosis & Decision‑Making

DSLD progresses gradually—but inevitably. Many will require euthanasia once mobility and comfort decline. Studies suggest 40–60% face euthanasia within 2 years :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}. The decision should reflect quality of life, pain control success, and humane considerations.

7. 🛡️ Prevention & Breeding Strategies

• Avoid breeding from affected or related horses until genetic markers emerge :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Monitor offspring in known lines from as early as 5–7 years old for subtle changes.
• Implement early comfort and support protocols if DSLD risk is identified.

8. 🧭 Role of Ask A Vet Support

With Ask A Vet, you get:

• 📸 Photo/video lameness triage and gait feedback.
• 🩺 Guidance for ultrasound vs physical diagnosis steps.
• 📆 Treatment reminders for NSAIDs, supplements, and shoeing schedules.
• 🎓 Webinars on DSLD, farriery, and pain management with Dr Duncan Houston.

9. ❓ FAQs

Can DSLD be cured?

No—there is currently no cure. Management is how long horses remain comfortable and functional :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

Will my horse eventually need euthanasia?

Sadly, yes—for most, quality of life declines. Often euthanasia is considered within 1–3 years post-diagnosis, depending on pain control success :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

Are supplements helpful?

Supplements like MSM, omega-3s, antioxidants can support connective tissue, though scientific proof is limited—work closely with your vet :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

Can a DSLD horse be ridden?

Generally no—but walk-trot unmounted exercise may be tolerated and beneficial under careful management :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

10. ✅ Final Takeaway

• DSLD is a progressive connective tissue disease—early signs: lameness, ligament thickening, dropped fetlocks.
• Diagnosis requires palpation, flexion tests, and ultrasound imaging.
• There is no cure; management via NSAIDs, support, turnout, nutrition, and emerging therapies is key.
• Quality of life and comfort determine timing of euthanasia.
• Breeding caution and early detection help reduce incidence.
• Ask A Vet connects you to Dr Duncan Houston for expert support anytime. 💙

🐾 Get Help Anytime

If you're noticing early signs of DSLD or need long-term management support, chat with me anytime on Ask A Vet. Together we’ll create a personalized plan to maximize your horse’s comfort, mobility, and well-being—2025 and beyond! 💙