Bilateral Annular Ligament Desmitis – A Case Study

On 24th August 2020 Entonado a Spanish horse owned by Ann Sidwell was diagnosed with bilateral annular ligament desmitis. This is an inflammation of the annular ligaments which are a fibrous band which provide stability as well as allowing flexibility. Once inflamed these do not allow the flexor tendons the movement they require. At the point of diagnosis Entonado was lame with obvious swelling and fibrous lumps. The condition was deemed to require surgery to cut the ligaments therefore releasing the pressure on the tendons. 

Following consultation with Ann’s vet we decided there was nothing to lose by treating with Indiba to see if any progress could be made prior to surgery. 

Treatment commenced on the 12th September 2020. Immediately following the initial treatment, the swelling reduced dramatically. Due to this Ann made the decision to send Entonado to Lowton Equine Rehabilitation where he could have an intensive course of treatment. 

Entonado arrived on the 15th September and immediately started treatment. At the end of the first week, he was walking for 15 minutes per day. 

The vet was booked to rescan on the 29th September, he started with gait analysis and end this point Entonado was declared sound. He then rescanned the ligaments and there was a huge improvement both to the inflammation and the organisation of the fibres. At this point just over two weeks from his first treatment Entonado was no longer a case for surgery and his prognosis had improved massively. 

On the 1st October 2020 Entonado was able to resume ridden hacking in walk, 5 weeks later on the 7th November he returned to schooling. His first post injury canter was on a hack on the 13th of November and his first canter in the school on the 20th of November. 

We recently visited Entonado in October 2021 and the ligaments are looking perfect. He has no further issue with them since. 

Ann says …. to think that surgery appeared to be the only option from which full recovery was not indicated.

I am indebted to Carole McClelland forever, until time stands still, and the universe is no more…. I’ve still got my best friend, my horse over 1000 lifetimes and my Maison d'etre.