Ligament strain in horses is an injury characterized by overstretched or torn ligaments, often resulting in pain, swelling, and lameness.

Ligament Strain in Horses

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Ligament strains in horses are common injuries affecting the connective tissues that support joints and bones. These strains typically occur due to sudden twists, overextension, or repetitive stress on the ligaments, leading to varying degrees of lameness and discomfort.

Symptoms include swelling, heat, and sensitivity around the affected area, often accompanied by a decreased range of motion or reluctance to move.

Symptoms

  • Lameness
  • Abnormal Change in Gait
  • Reduced Performance
  • Reluctant to move
  • Swelling in one leg
  • Sensitive Legs
  • Hot Legs
  • Reluctance to put weight on one leg

Treatment

Treatment for ligament strains in horses focuses on rest and controlled exercise to allow healing of the injured ligament. Veterinary care may include anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain, along with cold therapy and bandaging to support recovery.

In severe cases, regenerative therapies such as stem cell treatments or shockwave therapy may be considered to promote tissue repair and improve recovery outcomes

Prevention

Preventing ligament strains in horses involves several proactive measures. This includes implementing a gradual conditioning program to strengthen muscles and ligaments, ensuring proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after exercise, and maintaining suitable footing to reduce the risk of slips or falls. A sudden increase in workload should also be avoided.

Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring for signs of lameness or discomfort can help detect early signs of strain and enable prompt intervention to prevent further injury.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Happie Horse App digitale Gesundheitsakte

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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