Torn Suspensory Ligament
 

Hello all! I'm new here, and looking for some help.
I've owned horses for well over 10 years and my barrel horse for the last five years ruptured his suspensory ligaments (both in front legs)
I didn't know this, our last vet told us it was his tendons, and he couldn't be ridden anymore.
But our new vet confirmed that it was his suspensory ligaments, and that he needed treatment ASAP.
He has a vet appt. tomorrow to start shock-wave therapy, and I'm getting the rare earth boots for his as suggested by my vet, but is there anything else that I can do for my horse (Jake) in the meantime? This injury, unfortunately is a year old, and he is STILL in pain. :/

Any suggestions?! Thanks!

-Shelby & Jake

Stall rest unfortunately is the best thing. Lots of stall rest. A small, minor tear in the suspensory can result in 4-6 months of stall rest. A major tear is difficult to recover from and it is unlikely that the horse will ever be competition sound again. You have a chance of having a pleasure horse at the end.

Good luck!

I understand it isn't as common but there can be a competitive life after a blown suspensory. It just depends on the quality of care they get, and how soon they get it. My horse blew his pretty bad at the track. We show in the AO hunter division (3'6") and in the 6 years since recovering he is fine.

It takes a lot of care after the initial heal too, and some babying, but it is possible, keep the reality that he won't be competition sound again but I also would not give up hope.

Stall rest, bandaging, shocking, maybe ultrsound and magnetic therapies. There are other therapies available, but I'm not sure how far you want to go with it. Like an above poster said, lots os TLC and work. I know a horse who blew both front suspensories and he makes lots of $$ at the races still. Don't give up all hope of returning to competition. I'm just sorry it took so long for you to get a definitive diagnosis, as the aerlier you begin treatment the better.