The prevalence of degenerative desmopathy (DD) was studied in equines of national breeds, according to the metatarsophalangeal joint angle (MPA) and the presence of accumulation of proteoglycans (PG) in samples of nucal ligament (NL) from live animals, according to their age. One hundred twenty three clinically healthy horses were used. Only three (2.7%), that had their angle rate MPA<146° were considered suspect, with no significant difference between groups. Fifteen mares were subjected to examination of the angle of the MPA and biopsy of NL as well had reduction of the MPA angle, and six (40%) showed accumulation of PG. Accumulation of PG was found in three (20%) not suspected mares. A suspected animal showed no histological changes compatible to DD.
equine; desmopathy; ligament; proteoglycans
