The suspensory ligament plays a key role in shock absorption, joint stability, and weight distribution. Unfortunately, suspensory injuries are common among sport horses, particularly jumpers, eventers, and dressage horses. These injuries can be difficult to diagnose and treat, due to poor blood flow and complex structures. However, the right program, horses have a better chance at a strong recovery.
The Role of the Suspensory Ligament
The suspensory ligament runs down the back of the cannon bone, and branches off into two sections before inserting into the sesamoid bones at the fetlock joint. It functions as a natural "sling," preventing excessive extension of the fetlock joint and helping absorb impact when a horse moves, jumps, or lands.
Due to this constant strain, particularly in high-performance horses, the suspensory ligament is prone to injury. Damage to the suspensory can result in lameness and long recovery times, and can often require retirement.
Common Causes of Suspensory Ligament Injuries
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Overuse and Repetitive Strain:Â high-impact activities (jumping, tight turns, abrupt stops) without proper warm-up, cool-down, and post-ride care (icing, wrapping, poulticing).
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Poor footing: Deep, uneven, or overly hard footing increase the risk of overstretching or tearing the ligament.
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Conformation Issues:Â Anatomical predispositions can place more strain on the suspensory, making it more susceptible to injury.
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Improper Shoeing or Trimming:Â Incorrect hoof angles can alter weight distribution, leading to additional stress on the ligament.
The Challenges of Recovery
Healing from a suspensory injury can be a long and unpredictable process. Tendons and ligaments have limited circulation, making the healing process slow and often incomplete.Â
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Scar Tissue Formation:Â Instead of fully regenerating, ligaments often heal with scar tissue, which is less elastic and more prone to re-injury
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Prolonged Rehabilitation:Â Even if a horse feels sound, the structures may not be healed enough to return to work. Horses may require months of controlled, reduced exercise, and rushing this process can lead to setbacks.
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High Reinjury Rate: Even with proper rest and therapy, suspensory ligament injuries have a high risk of recurrence, especially if the ligament does not have enough time to regain full strength.
How Tendonall Supports Suspensory Ligament Recovery
While rest and therapy are crucial, nutritional supplemental support is equally important for healing and recovery. Tendonall is specifically formulated to aid in tendon and ligament repair, helping horses recover more effectively and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Tendonall stimulates collagen production, which supports the formation of new, strong ligament fibers which aids in the natural regeneration of soft tissue repair. Tendonall also reduces inflammation, which allows for proper healing.
Give your horse the best chance at recovery. Keep your horse's tendons and ligaments protected with Tendonall - because every step matters.
The Suspensory Ligament: Why It's Critical and How to Support Recovery
The suspensory ligament plays a key role in shock absorption, joint stability, and weight distribution. Unfortunately, suspensory injuries are common among sport horses, particularly jumpers, eventers, and dressage horses. These injuries can be difficult to diagnose and treat, due to poor blood flow and complex structures. However, the right program, horses have a better chance at a strong recovery.
The Role of the Suspensory Ligament
The suspensory ligament runs down the back of the cannon bone, and branches off into two sections before inserting into the sesamoid bones at the fetlock joint. It functions as a natural "sling," preventing excessive extension of the fetlock joint and helping absorb impact when a horse moves, jumps, or lands.
Due to this constant strain, particularly in high-performance horses, the suspensory ligament is prone to injury. Damage to the suspensory can result in lameness and long recovery times, and can often require retirement.
Common Causes of Suspensory Ligament Injuries
The Challenges of Recovery
Healing from a suspensory injury can be a long and unpredictable process. Tendons and ligaments have limited circulation, making the healing process slow and often incomplete.Â
How Tendonall Supports Suspensory Ligament Recovery
While rest and therapy are crucial, nutritional supplemental support is equally important for healing and recovery. Tendonall is specifically formulated to aid in tendon and ligament repair, helping horses recover more effectively and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Tendonall stimulates collagen production, which supports the formation of new, strong ligament fibers which aids in the natural regeneration of soft tissue repair. Tendonall also reduces inflammation, which allows for proper healing.
Give your horse the best chance at recovery. Keep your horse's tendons and ligaments protected with Tendonall - because every step matters.