Thousands of equine veterinarians visited Orlando, Fla., Dec. 4-8, 2002, with the health and welfare of their equine patients at heart. The annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) served up research presentations and current events appropriate for the equine practitioner seeking valuable continuing education, and also a day for horse owner education. Look for more information in the AAEP Wrap-Up, which will arrive with the March issue of The Horse, or in the Convention Reports category at www.TheHorse.com.

DSLD in Peruvian Pasos

Certain breeds of horses are predisposed to certain health problems, and it appears that the Peruvian Paso is no different. In her presentation “Twenty Cases of Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD) in Peruvian Paso Horses,” Jeanette Mero, DVM, of Starland Veterinary Services in Ithaca, N.Y., discussed the characteristics of Peruvian Pasos and her experience with DSLD in this breed.

DSLD is characterized by a loss of elasticity in the suspensory ligament. It isn’t well reported, and is traditionally thought to occur in broodmares, older and hard-working horses, and those with prior suspensory desmitis. Mero presented findings from examinations of 20 affected Peruvian Pasos. “These horses had widely varied conformation, bloodlines, geographic location, and management,” she said