Another Sad Story

Here's another horse euthanized due to DSLD-ESPA:  A Sad Story

Esmeralda is a Paso, a Peruvian breed of horse with a smooth swaying gait. They are charming animals, but their breed is prone to DSLD, a disease where little tears form in the ligaments, but do not repair with the same elasticity as before. Eventually a horse with DSLD cannot walk or stand. They are in constant pain. There is no cure.

While this is tragic for the family, I hope they find some peace and comfort in knowing they allowed their beloved mare to pass away peacefully and with dignity.  Until the research provides us with more answers, that's about all any of us can do.

Encouraging News

A new article in The Blood Horse indicates a new study on whether the Thoroughbred racehorse is as tough today as it was 30 to 40 years ago. What? Did they have proof of that? No. They went looking for proof. WHY? According to Eric Mitchell, an executive editor for The Blood-Horse, "There has been anecdotal evidence for years that the Thoroughbred of today is not as tough as it has been in the past."

Why do I find this interesting enough to post about? Why do I find it encouraging? It's not related to DSLD-ESPA.

I find this interesting because this study came about based on ANECDOTAL evidence. Anecdotal evidence means that the evidence was based on reports or observations of (usually) unscientific observers. It means the evidence has not yet been substantiated by studies. Just due to plain old word of mouth, they're actually concerned about a possible trend and are looking into it. Imagine that!

Wouldn't it be great if ALL registries and breeders were concerned about reported problems within their breed instead of pretending these problems don't exist and trying to sweep problems under the carpet or blaming the owners, or thwarting the research as some are when it comes to DSLD-ESPA research.

Click here if you'd like to read more about the Racehorse Durability study. The article includes a link to a FREE PDF copy of the study and a video of a discussion between prominent TB breeders and owners to evaluate the statistics.

The Song Remains the Same

From the Ultimate Horse Board
Note: No mention of breed, but other horses owned by poster are QH.

DSLD,Info?
Feb 22 2008, 12:22 AM
Any information you guys can give me? Im going to be googeling it but have any of you guys had to deal with it before? I'm worried about my dads horse as he has really long back pasterns and they almost touch the ground if he goes any faster than a walk. Its just bizzar watching his trot and how he moves off his back feet.

We actually know nothing about what he was used for previously..so we have no idea of any injuries he could have had.. We bought him dirt cheap from a guy who was going to take himto auction cause his wife couldn't ride him and they couldn't keep him.

ScienceDirect - Journal of Equine Veterinary Science : Diagnostic criteria for degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis in Peruvian Paso horses

ScienceDirect - Journal of Equine Veterinary Science : Diagnostic criteria for degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis in Peruvian Paso horses