Question: “I recently had to put down my 16 year old Arabian due to Degenerative Suspensory Disease (DSD). Over the past few years we were told that his problem was arthritis (due to being a english pleasure saddle seat horse). Then we were told that his problem was that his hocks were still fusing (and they injected them). Then we were told it was DSD. What causes DSD? All we were told was that there is no cure and all we could do was make him comfortable. I just need to know if there is anything to do to prevent DSD?”

Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), also known as Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation (ESPA) is a serious disease. Horses afflicted with DSLD have a poor prognosis for continued athletic performace. DSLD is a condition that has been recognized in Peruvian Pasos, Peruvian Paso crosses, Arabians, American Saddlebreds, American Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and some European Warmbloods.

Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and “faulty” healing in the suspensory ligament resulting in a loss of structural support for the ligament. In DSLD, the suspensory ligament fails to generate new collagen for repairing tears and strains it suffers. Instead, cartilage is generated and replaces the collagen fibers. The result is a loss of elasticity and strength in the ligament. Over time the ligament lengthens and breaks down. As the ligament worsens we begin to see the characteristic sign of DSLD: a horizontal pastern and dropped fetlock.

DSLD is often bilateral in nature meaning it often affects both the right and left sides of the horse at once. Recently this condition is thought to affect not only the suspensory ligament, but other ligaments and tendons of the body as well as other organ systems of the body.

The cause of DSLD is largely unknown. There may be a genetic component, though a genetic basis for DSLD has not been proven. DSLD appears to be more prevalent in athletic horses — where tendons and ligaments are under higher strain. This increased strain coupled with the conformation of an individual horse may contribute to DSLD. But to your question – is there anything to do to prevent DSLD? Because the cause of DSLD is largely unknown, we simply don’t know how to prevent it.

Treatment of DSLD is multifaceted. Pain medications are often indicated. Supportive leg bandages may help a horse’s comfort level. Supplements (e.g. MSM) may also help a horse’s comfort level. Controlled and restricted exercise or outright rest is often indicated. Some veterinarians may recommend slow up hill walking in order to help the supporting muscles and tendons surrounding the suspensory ligaments. Corrective (and “creative”) shoeing may help a horse’s comfort level and help support the suspensory ligaments. Acupuncture may also be an avenue to explore. The bottom line, though, is that DSLD carries a grave prognosis for the continued athletic carrer of a horse. Most available treatments are aimed at improving the quality of life of the horse. Threatments are palliative, not curative.

I am sorry for the loss of your Arabian. I hope this post helps to shed some light on the basics of DSLD. It is an area where research and medcial breakthroughs are needed. Hopefully we will be able to offer our equine athletes more hope in the future.

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