DSLD / ESPA (Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis)

Veterinary care required

This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.

Priority · vet & management

Diagnosis and follow-up (lameness examination, ultrasound) belong with the vet; in the foreground are adapted exercise/shoeing management and pain support. DSLD is not curable — complementary feeds cannot halt the degenerative process.

Possible causes

• · systemic proteoglycan accumulation in the connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, vessels, sclera)
• · familial clustering with a suspected but not conclusively clarified genetic component
• · breed disposition (among others Peruvian Paso, Arabian, Saddlebred, also Quarter Horse/Warmblood)
• · strain can worsen the course but is not the sole cause

Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication

Prevention

Because of the familial clustering, information about affected lines and a careful breeding selection help to lower the risk in the offspring.

Equiterna's take

Equiterna classifies DSLD as a systemic, progressive connective tissue disorder — more than just one tendon: veterinary diagnostics and exercise management come first, without promises of cure through active substances.