Equine Health

Case Report: Sport Horse Medicine

Wellness Exams

History: 7 yr. Old Holsteiner Mare competing in third level dressage is seen for a routine Wellness check. Because of this mare’s value and level of training, she is enrolled in our plan which evaluates performance horses every three months for any signs of lameness. Radiographs taken at the last examination were negative and the owner and trainer did not notice any problems with the mare at this time.

Physical Exam: On routine flexion tests a subtle right front lameness was detected.

Diagnostics: Radiographs are taken and are normal. Digital ultrasound shows a subtle enlargement and decreased echogenicity on the medial collateral ligament of the coffin joint. The mare is given a tentative diagnosis of medial collateral ligament desmitis of the right front coffin joint. This diagnosis is later confirmed with MRI.

Treatment: The mare is treated with shockwave therapy, Legend injections to the coffin joint, and rest with hand walking for six weeks.

Prognosis: This mare will fully recover and return to training because the injury was caught early and treated appropriately. If the injury had not been detected on her routine preventative check and she had continued to train with the injury, the damage most likely would have been irreversible and would have possibly ended her dressage career.