Which statement about suspensory ligament injuries is true?

• A. They cause lameness in the hind limb only.
• B. They cause systemic illness.
• C. They often present with lameness localized to the cannon/fetlock region and swelling along the suspensory ligament.
• D. They always involve the navicular bone.

Answer: (C)

Suspensory ligament injuries in horses mainly show up as lameness that is localized to the lower forelimb area around the cannon and fetlock, along with swelling running along the course of the suspensory ligament. This pattern makes sense because the suspensory apparatus supports the fetlock, so damage to the ligament causes pain and inflammation right where the ligament runs, especially when the limb bears weight and the fetlock sinks or flexes.

Systemic illness isn’t a feature here, so you wouldn’t expect fever or generalized malaise. The navicular bone isn’t inherently involved in every suspensory problem, and imagining it as a required component isn’t accurate. Also, while these injuries can occur in either limb, they’re not restricted to the hind limb; forelimb involvement is common, though hind limb cases do occur.

So, the statement describing lameness localized to the cannon/fetlock region with swelling along the suspensory ligament best captures what’s typically seen with suspensory ligament injuries.