| Abstract: | The textural and dimensional characteristics of the appearance of the normal suspensory ligament lends itself well to diagnosis of clinical disease of this structure. Following injury to the suspensory ligament there are changes that involve inflammation, and structural compromise. These changes may be manifest in a spectrum of severity, and documentation may be provided using real- time ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound imaging of the soft tissues in the equine extremity is an important aid; in diagnosis of lameness, prognosis, monitoring of healing, and retrospectively, in determining the more efficacious therapeutic regimens. To illustrate pathologic change of the suspensory ligament, selected cases of suspensory desmitis with varying degrees of severity are discussed. |
