Equine Leg Anatomy: Part Two

Part Two: Tendons & Ligaments

Horses have many tendons and ligaments providing support to their legs. Ligaments passively restrict movement and prevent hyperextension, when a joint extends beyond the normal range of motion. Hyperextension can happen when a horse lands from a large jump or while galloping in a race, however of greater concern is when the cause is pathological because the ligament is too lax. This can cause ligament injuries and instability in the joints which leads to the development of arthritis. 

The primary support system of the fetlock joint is the suspensory apparatus, made up of the suspensory ligament and other ligaments cupping the fetlock joint and preventing hyperextension. Tired horses or those working in deep or uneven footing are more likely to tear their suspensory ligaments. The check ligament and the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons are also located in the horse's lower legs and run along the cannon bones.  

COMMON INJURIES OF THE FRONT LEG

Vets typically recommend ultrasounding the injury when a horse is lame with a swelling in the tendons & ligaments along the cannon bones in order to determine which ligament or tendon is torn.

Bowed tendons are strains or tears in the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons. Check ligaments, which help bear weight and support the carpal bones of the knees, are prone to injury as well.  The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) runs around the Navicular bone in the horse's heel so a horse with symptoms of heel pain may have strained it.

Next installment will cover club feet and laminitis.  

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