Which clinical sign is most suggestive of proximal suspensory desmitis in a horse?

Which clinical sign is most suggestive of proximal suspensory desmitis in a horse?

• A. Lameness at the trot or canter.
• B. Sole warmth without observable lameness.
• C. Normal gait with no swelling.
• D. Improvement after NSAIDs.

Answer: (B)

Proximal suspensory desmitis often gives subtle clinical signs because the injury is high in the limb and pain doesn’t always show up as a clear limp. Local heat in the proximal suspensory region is a common and reliable clue, and it can be detected as warmth that may even be noticed through the sole area. The horse can appear sound at rest or have only mild or intermittent lameness, so this warmth without an obvious gait abnormality stands out as a key indicator. Other signs, like a definite lameness at the trot or canter or a completely normal gait with no swelling, are less specific for this condition. NSAID response can occur with many inflammatory issues and isn’t as diagnostic as the presence of localized warmth in the suspicious region.