What is dsld?

Answer 1

What is DSLD? DSLD/ESPA (abbreviated D/E) stands for the equine disease "Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis" with initials for the newer name "Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation" appended. DSLD is the older, more traditional name. However, "ESPA" is coming into use as the recent research has shown DSLD/ESPA to be a systemic disease of the connective tissue of the equine. It has been found in most, if not all, horse breeds, including: Arabians, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, Saddlebreds, Warmbloods, Appaloosa's, Friesian, Missouri Foxtrotter, Tennessee Walker, Paints, National Show Horse, Mustang, and many more - even crossbreds and mules .

It has long been considered a condition of the legs alone, as one of the most visible signs is when the fetlocks collapse and can no longer bear the weight of the horse. However, microscipic examination in necropsy has shown DSLD/ESPA horses can be affected not only in the tendons and ligaments of all legs and the patella, but can have affected tissues in the nuchal ligament, eyes, aorta, skin and fascia, lungs and other organs, as well as ligaments and tendons throughout the body. Because of it's systemic nature, and because connective tissue is present everywhere in a biological entity, the entire body becomes affected in multiple ways as the disease progresses. Some horses have shown an iron overload in the liver as well. Ongoing research is working on the biochemical aspects of the disease and has found a problem in the transfer growth factor and decorin. It is strongly believed to be passed genetically, and those aspects are being studied in the search for a DNA marker. Because DSLD/ESPA is believed to be a genetic disorder, it is strongly advised to take all affected horses out of the breeding pool. Research is is continuing, and much is yet to be learned. There is an excellent Yahoo Group, DSLD-equine, at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DSLD-equine/. There you can talk with other owners, experts and vets about what's known and not known about this disease and how best to manage it. In addition, there is information about an experimental treatment protocol (not a cure, but positive symptom management for most horses) and enroll your horse in the program if s/he qualifies.

Please go to the group's associated web page at http://dsldequine.info to learn more about all aspects of DSLD/ESPA including diagnosis, individual cases, symptoms and management, as well as a section titled "Vet Pages" with great information for owners as well. There you will find extensive links to research papers photos, information and donation partners. You are not alone in dealing with DSLD/ESPA - D/E! Join others who cope with this disease of horses and get information and support. atb