Tendon Pro Dynamic Support System (DSS)
Equine Tendon and Suspensory Apparatus Rehabilitation System
The concept of loading with an adjustable and restricted peak load during rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries has long been accepted as the “golden standard” in human medicine. Implementing this concept in Equine rehabilitation is very challenging given the uncontrollable activity and subsequent loading of the tendon/ligament in horses.
The concept of a device allowing for fetlock support and proactive exercise during all stages of equine rehabilitation has been pioneered both in Europe and in the United States of America since 2009. Equine Tendon has developed the expertise of using this concept in specialised and customised successful rehabilitation programs. Our protocols specialise in the use of various devices and technologies to prevent injury and improve outcome of equine soft tissue rehabilitation.
The last decade our world wide team of veterinarians and technicians have developed many customised and successful exercise and management programs compounding to more than 100.000 documented hours of use of DSS (Dynamic Support System) technology.
DSS technology can be incoporated into various different technologies, however it is essentially an articulated load-limiting device for fetlock joints of all types of horses and other equids. Due to being a fully adjustable support system for the equine lower limb, it can help the horse through all stages of tendon and suspensory ligament recovery including walk, trot, and canter exercise (even small jumping exercises, lateral work and early gallop training)
DSS Devices have a number of benefits that make their use invaluable in the treatment and management of equine tendon and ligament injuries including utilising lightweight material and impact deflecting technology along with a “support membrane” to limit fetlock extension.
Furthermore, the amount of support can be adjusted enabling the healing soft tissues to be gradually loaded to greater amounts during the rehabilitation process. This concept leads to early fibril and fibre alignment leading to less scar tissue development and subsequent improved elasticity and functionality of the tendon or ligament. This will optimise the quality of the healing tissue, maximising the chance of a successful return to full work while still providing protection at higher loads.
It can be fitted on both front and hind legs, left and right at the same time and it takes only moments to apply or remove.
The Supportive Membrane (SM)
This feature enables the device to be load-limiting.
- The SM is a unique triangular-shaped component of the devices and utilises wraparound strength at the pastern collar.
- The SM is exceptionally strong, yet flexible enough to allow a full range of movement.
- The SM is responsible for the amount of extension of the device at the various settings.
- The SM, along with some of the metal components can wear out and is one of the reasons regular maintenance and refurbishment are required.
Protect
The DSS device is designed to resist overextension of the fetlock joint when the limb is loaded using a force deflection principle and so protecting and supporting the tendon or ligament. The device optimises recovery and healing of the flexor tendons and suspensory ligament giving your horse a better chance of recovery and less chance of re-injury. DSS devices are capable of resisting extension of the fetlock joint under loads experienced at walk, trot and canter.
Professional
As an Equine Tendon client, you will never be simply just left with an DSS device. Our team of industry leading professionals includes specialised veterinarian, physiotherapists, riders, jockeys and trainers and will give you ongoing support and advice dependent on your horse’s rehabilitation journey. Our team will communicate with your veterinarian and other professionals supporting your horse’s management and together come to a fully customised, practical, and successful protocol. Equine Tendon provides video calls with experts to thoroughly show you how to fit the device to your horse and our service includes ongoing veterinarian and technical support during use. Our veterinarian team will develop a rehabilitation and management programme customised to your horse and you will receive ongoing support and follow up meetings to determine how your horse is recovering.
Proactive
The device does not only have variable support enabling a fully controlled exercise regime during injury rehabilitation but can be used as a proactive protective boot for other circumstances. The device can therefore be used as a preventative measure to tendon and ligament injuries. For example, they can be used on the hind limbs of stallions during breeding or used for broodmares during pregnancy. Being proactive is extremely important as you can prevent potential problems before they become real problems.
Image Credit: Equestride
HOW MUCH SUPPORT DOES YOUR TYPICAL BOOT ACTUALLY OFFER?
The purpose of any supportive boot/bandage should be to prevent overloading of the tendon by offering sufficient support. These videos show three popular tendon support means to the test, being a medicine boot, exercise bandages and the Equestride Device developed by Andrew Daly to find out how they perform under peak load.
Using an equine leg simulator performed under peak load, the Equestride device was the clear winner. Bear in mind – should the fetlock have extended any further than the peak load pictured in the first image, “unrestricted leg”, the tendon would have been injured.
Different Applications of the DSS technology
DSS Support settings:
- Setting 1: Offers support only at maximum fetlock extension and is suitable for the later stages of rehabilitation when the horse is trotting or cantering.
- Setting 2: Provides support during walking and trotting.
- Setting 3: Offers continuous support to the fetlock joint.
- Setting 4: Delivers significant support while the horse is standing, making it suitable for cases of severe fetlock hyperextension or as an emergency splint.
Gradually decreasing the settings during rehabilitation will enable the palmar/plantar soft tissues to sustain a greater amount of weight. It is important to note that the settings cannot be changed while the leg is under weight.
Scientific Validation
Please visit our scientific studies page for more scientific validation.
Construction
All devices are manufactured from the most modern, high strength materials and conform to the highest biomechanical standards.
The devices consist of semi flexible carbon fiber composite sheaths that enclose the cannon and pastern bones. These are articulated at a hinge joint that pivots bio-mechanically with the horses fetlock joint.
