Proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) is the inflammation of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament. It is a common injury in performance horses, and can occur in the forelimbs and/or hindlimbs.

PSD of the Hindlimbs

Horses with excessively straight hocks or why hyper extended metatarsophalangeal joints are more at risk of PSD in the hindlimbs. Most affected horses are performance horses between 4 to 10 years of age. Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbred cross breeds are more commonly affected by this injury.

PSD of the hindlimb causes acute or chronic hindlimb lameness in horses. Lameness is often most obvious when the horse is being exercised. When the horse is observed in motion, affected horses usually show decreased arc of foot flight with a shortened cranial phase.