Q- Is there a test that can tell me if my horse has DSLD/ESPA before any symptoms show up?
A- At this time there is no early detection or predictive test available. Ultrasounds and biopsy can show if DSLD/ESPA is present at the time of the diagnostic test. A horse that does not show signs at time of diagnosis, means it is clear at the time of testing, it does not guarantee the horse will not shows signs in the future.
Q- How will I know if my horse has an injury or it is DSLD/ESPA?
A- An ultrasound will show where the problem is originating from and should be done on at at least two legs. Injuries are rarely identical in more than one leg so at least two legs should be ultrasounded. If the ultrasound shows inconclusive findings between injury and DSLD/ESPA, rest and rehab should be followed for treating an injury to the suspensory or tendons. If the area/s do not heal, follow up ultrasounds should be done to re examine the areas again and to see if degenerative changes have appeared and compare ligament measurements with original ultrasounds. Injuries can heal, DSLD/ESPA does not heal but may stablize and will get progressively worse.
Q- Do all horses with DSLD/ESPA have dropped pasterns?
A- No, infact some horses with DSLD/ESPA do not drop in their pasterns at all. If your horse does have dropped pasterns, it is a good idea to check out the cause to rule out DSLD/ESPA using Dr Mero's Protocol and Exam form. Many DSLD/ESPA horses do have dropped pasterns and swollen fetlocks.
Q- Isn't it normal for horses to get dropped pasterns with age and those that have been ridden extensively like endurance horses or show horses, or hard working horses?
A- Not necessarily, any horse of any age that has dropped pasterns should be examined and screened for DSLD/ESPA to rule out the disease and to find the cause. This is especially important for breeding horses.
Q- If my horse is diagnosed with DSLD/ESPA is there anything I can do to help keep him/her more comfortable?
A- Yes, Dr Kellon's new treatment study is helping many horses and helps relieve pain and most have shown some improvement. Some horses have been non responders, yet the majority have shown improvement. Join the DSLD-equine list for more info.
Q- Is there a cure for DSLD/ESPA?
A- At this time there is no known cure. With more research there maybe more insight into it's causes and treatment.
Q- Isn't DSLD/ESPA found only in Spanish breeds?
A. NO! This a misconception. DSLD/ESPA is found in about all breeds of horses and crosses and is showing up more frequently because of better diagnostic protocols and awareness of the disease. Breeds affected are Arab's, TB's, Warmbloods, QH's, Paint's, Appy's, Morgan's, TWH's, Friesian, MFT, SSH's, Mt horses, PP, PF, Canadian, Standarbred, Saddlebred, Cleveland Bay, National Show Horse, Draft, Mustangs, crossbreds, mules and more. All breeds should be screened for DSLD/ESPA if they present symptoms.