Peruvian Paso Problem Horse???

[actressadefilma]

Hi,

I am considering buying a Peruvian Paso horse. But other gaited owners give me the big heads up. I need to know the truth. Do they have ligament problems earlier than other breeds? Are they prone to something called DSLD? I don't know what that is, but sounds ugly. They are saying they go lame faster than other breeds. Is this true? I don't know who to believe anymore. You know the world of horsetraders. Any professional advice would be greatly appreciated


Thank you,

[cordell_rogers]

I am considering buying a Peruvian Paso horse. But other gaited owners give me the big heads up. I need to know the truth. Do they have ligament problems earlier than other breeds?YES

Are they prone to something called DSLD?
YES
They are saying they go lame faster than other breeds. Is this true?
YES

That said, they are also one of the smoothest gaited horses out there.

[Kaydence]

And while the PP does have the highest incidence of DSLD, let's not hide our heads in the sand and ignore the fact that it has been found in every other breed tested, including QH's, TB's, Arabs and WB's.

It is so common in the PP breed that many people choose to pretend it is the only breed with the issue but I've seen it in other breeds (and listened to the WB breeder in particular, deny it could be DSLD while refusing to have the mare fully tested, even though the mare had failed the preliminary test, which is a flexion test).

The more people learn about DSLD/ESPA (Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Ac***ulation), the better served every breed out there is. Don't look at bi-lateral or quadra-lateral fetlock issues and write it off to being caused by "an accident" (how many owners say their DSLD horses didn't show symptoms until after a fall coming off a trailer? Apparently DSLD horses and trailers aren't a good mix.). Get people reading up about DSLD (especially mare and stallion owners!) regardless of the breed they favour.

Cheri

[actressadefilma]

Thank you for your advice. It has been very helpful. I will exercise caution when looking at this breed.

Janet

[THamilton]

DSLD is a genetic disease that is rampat in the Paso world. An experienced horseman can look at a set of paper and tell you wether or not a horse is prone to getting it. Not that they will, but the genetic makeup is ther for it to happen.

While is shoes up in other breeds it is not as prevelant. I believe that this is true because inn oterh breeds confomatio is looked upon higher than in the paso world. While I may be in an area where there are not many big time paso people, the ones that I have been around and worked with have one thing in common. They all make the statement, "Look at that action! That would be such a smooth ride!" All of this detracts afrom the conformation of the horse. Also DSLD in soem cases does not begin to shoe up until the horse thre of four. I have a client the it was there when the horse was a yearling. Now they are the tyoughest mom son and daughter to shoe on the hind end.

This post is also in a differnet area. I would recommend that uou read the wabsite the Ron Aalders posted. I believe it was Nanric.com

Thanks for the question Ma'am.

Tony

[Forgewizard]

Something that I have noticed, and it is ONLY, PURELY anecdotal is that I have seen a higher prevalence of DSLD in horses of sabino coloring. Sabino cooring is where the white stocking comes up above the knee and hocks and has raggeddy edges, usually there is also a wide blaze and roaning.

I am in NO way saying that Sabino colored horses all have DSLD! I am only saying that I have seen DSLD in horses more often with sabino coloration than others, but I HAVE seen DSLD in bays, buckskins, blacks and chestnuts too. Of all different breeds also.

There may be more than genetics involved with the Peruvian Pasos too. You have to consider the training methods and upbringing. It is NOT uncommon for these latin breeds to be started under saddle very young ( two years old) and to be ridden by large guys. Also they use a concrete based 20 foot diameter pole in the center training circle to get these animals to step correctly.

This kind of extreme circle work on very young joints is VERY tough on them!

Also it is NOT uncommon for these "traditionalist trainers" to insist the hooves be trimmed to a 45 degree angle with long toes to supposedly encourage proper gaiting. Again this is NOT conducive to proper joint function or good joint health.

So until the genetisists isolate the DSLD gene (like they have with HYPP and Equine SIDS, or lethal white genes); then we have to rely on correct evaluation of the individual horse- complete with its individual history, before we start saying such and such breed has such and such problem.
Regards,
KIm

[Yeguachic]

As an educated Peruvian Paso owner, I feel that my two cents may be of some value in this query. I suspect this will be mostly a sort of disclaimer.

Peruvian Paso horses do develop DSLD/ESPA earlier, more often, and with less physical stress than many other breeds. It is more common in other breeds than you hear, including the gaited breeds. Because Peruvian Pasos have gotten a bad rap for DSLD, many vets and farriers misdiagnose soundness issues in Peruvians as DSLD. Conversely, vets/farriers unfamiliar with DSLD misdiagnose also. It is not NEARLY as rampant as the rumor goes. I have been in the breed for 8 years and have personally seen 2 broken down PPs. I know of 20-30 others from research websites and e-lists. I, too, am subject to wariness of this disorder, but I love Peruvians too much to get out of them.

I have 2 Peruvian Pasos. One is a 12 year old PP mare who hasn't demonstrated any weakness or tendency towards unsoundness. She has been ridden regularly since the age of 4, 3-5 times per week, on moderate trails and performance riding for shows, from 30 minutes to 1 hr+ per ride. I have a purebred yearling colt from her, no problems so far and well-conformed. They both get trimmed properly every 6-8 weeks. I do not know any Peruvian trainers who start horses under saddle earlier than 3 years old. The pole work is used sparingly at that age, and in quite large circles. While trainers I don't know may start earlier or work the young horse harder, there are those who wouldn't dream of it.

DSLD has been attributed to a number of theoretical sources, including excessive physical strain, connective tissue disorder, malnutrition, parasites, genetic predisposition, and poor conformation. There are a few research programs in action seeking the cause.

The best advice I can give is to:
1. Read up ( http://www.dsld.org/regularindex.shtml OR http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSLD-equine/?yguid=4765925 then click DSLD Equine for latest info)
2. Ask the most knowledgeable people en masse, owners of affected horses. The second link above is a yahoo group for that purpose.
3. Get a pre-purchase exam done by a vet, no matter what horse you buy. There are protocols to check for DSLD, but the most basic, flexion, will get the horse to go off lame if it's affected at that time.
4. Just be careful. See what the seller's position on DSLD is; that'll tell you a lot. Make up your own mind. If you love 'em, buy one; if not, don't. :)

P.S. Conformation, soundness, proper hoof care, and reputable information are all very important to me, as a PP owner. I am a bit offended that such stereotypes abound around Peruvian Pasos. They don't deserve it. As Kim said, go on a horse-by-horse basis and make sure you are 100% satisfied with the horse you buy. Please email me privately if anyone has any questions or desires further information/clarification.

Amy Miller