Annular Ligament Injury

[scrbear11]

Obviously I need to study my horse anatomy, because I had no clue such a ligament existed. (Do they make an adult coloring book for that?!)

I posted a week ago looking for a supplement for my mare who appeared to have torn her suspensory branch in her right hind six months after tearing her DDFT in her right front.

Turns out that’s not the case… With swelling down, she had a recheck ultrasound today performed by my normal vet. Suspensory branch is definitely inflamed. She suspects the tear seen on the previous ultrasound was actually fluid from swelling around the ligament. She was concerned about the amount of swelling and fluid retention on the back of her fetlock. Upon ultrasounding that area, she discovered the annular ligament was twice as big as it should be, definitely inflamed. Additionally, it appears that the tendon sheath around the DDFT is ruptured as well. The annular ligament and DDFT tendon sheath are likely related, since the annular ligament is what holds all those tendons in place.

We did not jog her for soundness as the wind was whipping around and she’s a 5 year old hot head who has been on stall rest for 10 days. Neither of us felt suicidal, or like re-injuring my horse. She is walking more comfortably, so improved soundness from initial presentation.

My vet will review the ultrasound images this afternoon or weekend at the office, and will send them off to another vet (Dr. Ober) for a second opinion and consultation.

From what I’m reading, annular injuries are not good. Left under conservative treatment, the return to productivity rate is not favorable. Does anyone have any experience? Words of wisdom?

My poor Little Red Mare.

[Jungle_Monkey]

I had DDFT at P2/navicular bone, medial collateral ligament and distal sesamoid injuries on right front that were originally given only a 15% chance then 35% chance to recover and horse is sound after rehab. We have not tried jumping yet but walk/trot/canter and poles is great.

[RnR]

My thoroughbred eventer had a constricted annular ligament diagnosis about 10 years ago. Started off as puffiness on left hind fetlock, never dead lame, but not quite right. Had it ultrasounded and diagnosed, kept him on stall rest, applied surpass (which worked wonderfully), and did hydrotherapy daily (high pressure hose with cold water on the area every evening). Eventually progressed to hand walk, started back slowly. He went fully back into work without any issues at all. That being said, I was careful, always iced his legs after cross country or heavy jumping lessons, only jumped 1-2 times a week MAX, and took very good care of him in general. He went back to Novice level eventing and 1st/2nd level dressage without a lame step. I wish you luck!

[TWH_Girl]

I’m sorry! No words of wisdom. I would try PRP if you can swing it, lots of rest and some Equioxx. Shockwave or laser may be of some use as well. Wish I had a crystal ball and could tell you all will be well. I certainly hope it will be! Best wishes.