Equine DSLD-ESPA

Photos of horses affected by DSLD (Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis), more recently termed ESPA (Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation) as it has been shown to affect much more than the legs. ESPA is a connective tissue disease and has been found in the tendons & ligaments throughout the body as well as the eyes, and aorta. For more info, visit

http://dsldequine.info/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSLD-equine/

http://angelfire.com/bc/curlygait/diagnose.html

http://tinyurl.com/l6l3pj

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• horse
• horse_health
• equine
• equine_health
• equestrian
• DSLD
• ESPA
• DSLD_ESPA

[shymi]

Can horses with DSLD sometimes be diagnosed with arthritis? Or do the two go hand in hand? I had an ex-race with 4 giant fetlocks. I was always told she was arthritic. It started with her refusing to canter. Nothing could fix it. She's now retired to pasture at age 11. The vet and chiropractor bills piled up too high, and I could see it in her face that she greatly disliked being ridden. Could she have had DSLD? She never had issues with standing up or laying down. She never tripped.

[EquineESPAGroup]

@shymi

They can. As for tripping, etc., each horse will present differently.

The DSLDequine website contains anecdotes for a few TBs: SOUTH BEACH BABY (Line In The Sand x Miss Starquest),

ONO EAGLE JOE (Ono Brandt x L'Eggie Lou), and

EXPLOPONENT (Proponent x Lady Explo).

LYLAS LORELEI (Red Sovereign x Lyla) on Page 2.

You'll find more affected TBs, on the Yahoo Group (link in box on right)

[deadpassion1479]

What type of horses is it more common to get this?

What about horses that jump?

I plan on going to college and learning to jump while I attend college and I dont want to hurt them.

I have never jumped before thought

[EquineESPAGroup]

While DSLD/ESPA (D/E)was once believed to be more common in Pasos, current research shows D/E is found in many breeds including Arabs, TBs, QH, Morgans, Saddlebreds, Appaloosas, Friesians, MFTs, TWH, Paints, Mustangs, etc. Many crossbreds (including mules) have been affected also. D/E is suspected to be an inherited genetic disorder (NOT based on use), and it is advised not to breed affected horses or ride them due to the potential for pain to the horse or injury to both horse and rider.

[JamesThWilliams]

Those horses looked very post legged in their hind end. Is that from the disease or does it create it?

[EquineESPAGroup]

Good observation!  It is caused indirectly by the disease due to the deterioration of the suspensory ligament. When the fetlock drops, it increases the distance from the hip to the center of the fetlock and straightens the rear leg. As the fetlock drops, the horse becomes more post-legged.

[Farmermi]

I have an Arab/Quarter horse cross diagnosed with DSLD this past Spring. I had not heard of the disease prior to the diagnosis. I assumed he had a pinched nerve. I went to a Sport Horse Clinic. Prognosis was poor. November 1, All Saints Day, Magic Man Snickers was euthanized. Snickers is riding the wings of Heaven! You will be sorely missed as my equine companion! I appreciate the video to help educate others on this afflication of our equines.

[mm333333333]

this is truly a terrible disease. we have peruvian pasos, so we know all about the disease. we have been lucky sofar, tho

[Oransky]

I'm almost certain my horse has this disease. We sent a blood sample to Kansas State Vet. Med Center months ago and were told they were finishing one study and my horse's blood sample would be included in the NEXT study coming up. After not hearing from them I called to then be told they have no record of it. Any other places we can go to for help?

[jilesfoot]

I am curious too, as my boy was straight through the hocks and got PSD... See my vid...

[jes70s]

I cry at this stuff...so sad.

[shelbyco5]

I got a message to check out this video, it says a video response to Tigerlily...my horse...thank you so much. It has not been diagnosed as this, but judging by the info, it has to be what tigerlily has. She has mostly good days as she is just a pasture companion to my retired dressage horse. I am seriously considering putting her down before she gets bad, as I've been unable to find her a home for years. Thanks so much for the video & check out her vid 4 a possible example. She's 16.2hh TB