Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis, better known as DSLD, is a progressive, degenerative condition that affects the suspensory ligaments of the equine limb.  DSLD is either bilateral (two limbs) or quadrilateral (four limbs) and is characterized by pain, lameness, thickening of the suspensory ligaments and in many cases swelling of the ankles and a sinking of the ankles towards the ground.  At the microscopic level DSLD is further characterized by a disruption in the normal repair process of collagen in the suspensory ligaments.  This defective repair process leads to abnormal tissue production in the ligament resulting in an enlargening and a weakening of the ligament making it unable to sustain normal weight bearing.    Due to the progressive nature of this disease there is no cure or treatment that is effective, with the outcome often resulting in euthanasia due to the severe pain associated with the syndrome.  Though  DSLD is seen in many breeds, it is seen with a higher prevalence in Peruvian Paso horses.

DSLD Research, Inc. was founded in October of 2000 by Jeanette Mero, DVM an equine veterinarian and breeder of Peruvian Paso horses, as a not for profit research project dedicated to discovering the source of DSLD and hopefully the eventual eradication of this disease.  The project has essentially been a collaborative effort between Dr.Mero and E. Gus Cothran, PhD, head of the Animal Genetics Lab at the University of Kentucky.  Initial pedigree analysis completed earlier in 2001 suggests that DSLD is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder.  Based on that theory Dr. Cothran and his lab are attempting to locate the gene responsible and develop a genetic test to easily identify normal, carrier and affected horses.  This test will then be made available to the public through their lab.  This portion of the project is likely to take from one to two years, with a possibility of an even longer time frame. 

The clinical aspects of DSLD has been the concentration of Dr. Mero's research.  DSLD has largely been unstudied, with few papers documenting it in the scientific literature.  Dr. Mero has been studying and following clinical cases of DSLD in an attempt to better establish diagnostic procedures, and to better understand the clinical course of the disease.  The main emphasis for the past year has been on early detection, due to the fact that  historically cases have progressed years prior to diagnosis.  Subsequent to the large numbers of cases studied Dr. Mero has been able to develop a diagnostic protocol for DSLD as an aid  to owners and their veterinarians.  Since there has been no treatment to date that has been successful, little research time has been directed at treatment.  Dr. Mero has been able to establish some guidelines to aid in keeping affected horses as comfortable as possible, but the eventual prevention of the disease has been the crux of the entire project.  Dr. Mero intends to publish her work as soon as it is feasible, in attempt to better educate the equine veterinary community.

The third portion of the project, aside from the genetic research and the clinical research, is a pledge to help educate the owners, breeders and veterinarians of Peruvian Pasos, as well as the horse public in general.  It is imperative that as a breed we unite together to solve this problem, and then as a breed we together display to the public our open and honest desire to preserve the strength and health of our horses.  Once the actual research is completed DSLD Research, Inc. intends to continue on as an advocate and educational voice in the fight against DSLD.

The starting funding for this project has largely been at the generosity of a handful of dedicated admirers of the Peruvian horse.  But we are in need of further funds as we expect this project to continue on for some years to come.  Please if you wish to become part of the solution of this crippling syndrome donate whatever amounts you can (any amount is useful) - checks can be made out to DSLD Research, Inc. and forwarded to Dr. Mero at the above address.  Secondly we are always in need of cases of DSLD and anyone wishing to either enter a horse in the study, or directly donate a case to Dr. Mero, please contact her at the above numbers.   Please be assured that this study is being conducted in an objective and scientific manner, that will in no way target or blame particular horses, breeders or farms.  We have the complete interest of the breed at heart - not in slandering or defaming certain horses or individuals.  All information, such as horses' names, pedigrees, and owner information will be kept in the strictest confidentiality and will never be released.  We hope that you will join us in our efforts to preserve and protect this truly unique and special breed of horse.