Re: Suspensory question

[CMKSAGEHIL <CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com>]

Like Dr. Newell, I have also encountered some horses that are more touchy than
others about their suspensory ligaments.  In most cases that are problems, one
will be more sore than the other, so one gets more of a response on one side
than the other.  When evaluating horses at rides who appear to be "off", I
always check both sides and compare the reactions.

If in doubt, a horse with touchy suspensory ligaments should have his or her
ligaments and tendons ultrasounded to check for the presence of small tears or
other injuries.

Heidi Smith, DVM--Sagehill Arabians (Oregon)