DSLD-ESPA has been found in equines for many years, yet
diagnosis has been limited.
Jeanette Mero, DVM, did an
in-depth study of DSLD/ESPA horses and developed the
Diagnostic Protocol used today
to confirm DSLD/ESPA by ultrasound. Dr Mero has had two
research
papers published with the AAEP on her work with DSLD/ESPA in the
Peruvian Paso and other breeds. (link to papers?)
Research conducted at University of GA (UGA) by Dr Halper confirmed that Dr Mero's Diagnostic Protocol is a reliable form of diagnosis as confirmed by necropsy at UGA. What makes the new necropsy findings unique is this is disease is found not only in the suspensory ligament, but affects the connective tissue systemically.
Research conducted at University of GA (UGA) by Dr Halper confirmed that Dr Mero's Diagnostic Protocol is a reliable form of diagnosis as confirmed by necropsy at UGA. What makes the new necropsy findings unique is this is disease is found not only in the suspensory ligament, but affects the connective tissue systemically.
Dr Halper is researching biochemical aspects of the
disease and has concluded that Equine Systemic Proteoglycan
Accumulation (ESPA) is a better term to describe the disease than
the original Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis
(DSLD). Her necropsy findings have shown that all ligaments and
tendons in all limbs are affected, including the patella and the nuchal
ligament. ESPA has also been found in the aorta and the eyes.
Some cases are worse in the tendons than ligaments at necropsy.
All breeds affected have shown the same cellular changes
to the connective tissue. Some cases have shown the liver to have a high
accumulation of iron. Some cases have shown lung lesions. One case, with
loose skin, showed the skin to be almost totally absent of elastin.
At this time more research needs to be done to understand the disease
and how all the findings relate including liver, lung and skin results.
It is believed this is a genetic disease, and the
genetic aspect is being studied by Dr Gus Cothran. He has studied
over 200 samples from affected horses and has found a number of markers
to date which he is following up.
