DIAGNOSIS, THERAPY AND PROGNOSIS OF DISEA SES OF THE EQUINE SUSPENSORY APPARATUS

The equine stay apparatus is a functional system of bones, rudimentary muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Diseases and disorders are caused by acute trauma, repeated microtrauma, but also by degenerative processe s (sesamoidosis). Parts of the stay apparatus where different anatomic al structures are joined seem to be particularly predisposed (insertio n desmopathies). Damage due to hyperextension of tendons or ligaments is observed, also fractures of the involved bones. Secondary lesions o f the adjacent structures can occur due to primary damage to the stay apparatus (fatique fractures of the splint bones). The present paper s ummarizes recent developments in diagnostics for diseases of the stay apparatus and also indicates possibilities of and limitations to sever al therapeutic measures.