The online DSLD/ESPA Newsletter is for Horse owners of all breeds. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep owners up to date on all aspects of Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation, ESPA, a connective tissue disorder also known as Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis, DSLD. Since research has shown this to be a systemic connective tissue disease that affects more than just the legs and suspensory ligament, the new name was chosen. ESPA affects most all breeds. At this time there is no test to predict if a horse will be affected. Ultrasounds are used to diagnose once the horse has failed flex tests and/or is showing symptoms. For symptoms, click here-  http://www.freewebs.com/dsldhorse/symptoms.htm 

Dr Mero's Protocol and Exam form are used when doing ultrasound exams, found here- http://dsld.org  Biopsy of the nuchal ligament can also be used to detect affects to the nuchal ligament. The most conclusive diagnosis is at necropsy by tissue examination. To learn more please go to- http://dsldequine.info

FAQ's- http://www.freewebs.com/dsldhorse/faqs.htm

TREATMENT NEWS- Dr Kellon is doing a treatment study on DSLD/ESPA horses with some good results to date. If you are interested in being part of this study and your horse is symptomatic or diagnosed as DSLD/ESPA please join the DSLD-equine list at  http://yahoogroups.com/group/DSLD-equine/ 

Fill out Dr Kellon's Treatment study form- http://www.freewebs.com/dsldhorse/drkellonsstudy.htm 

IMPRESO- Read about Impreso on the Vet pages and how he has responded to the Dr Kellon's new treatment- http://people.delphiforums.com/RZECH/dsldvet/Impreso.htm

PUBLICATION NEWS- The Feb 2007 issue of Equus has an article about equine genetic disease and studies ongoing for suspected genetic conditions including DSLD/ESPA. http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/breeding/geneticdiseases_011207/

Dr Kellon wrote an article  for the Horse Journal in Aug 2006, back copies are available  at- http://www.horse-journal.com

TheHorse.com has published several articles on DSLD/ESPA in the past. Just do a search on their home page- http://thehorse.com

RESEARCH NEWS-  Dr Halper's latest findings on the biochemical aspects of DSLD/ESPA has found a problem in a growth factor and how it affects decorin. Article is printed in the April issue of Gaited Horse.

 Dr Halper's published research article on DSLD/ESPA 2006 U of GA- http://www.biomedcentral.com/1746-6148/2/12/abstract

ONLINE DSLD/ESPA VIDEO-  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YXTxvTEJFo

RECORD your DSLD/ESPA  Horses Information- http://www.freewebs.com/dsldhorse/recordyourdsldhorse.htm

Please fill out the questionaire about DSLD/ESPA  (Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis/ Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation) as it will help us know how well the horse community understands what dsld/espa is and where they learned about it. Link to questionaire http://www.freewebs.com/dsldhorse/dsldespaquestionaire.htm Thank you for filling out the form.