Treatment Options For Navicular Disease
Just like humans, horses can suffer from chronic conditions that are caused by damage or inflammation to their bones and joints. Even in the case of a horse who has been well cared for since birth, sudden lameness can occur. It is up to the owners, trainers and barn managers to keep a close eye on every animal and know their way of moving and typical behavior.
Every owners should familiarize themselves with the basics of horse anatomy and physiology. This will be of enormous benefit when they need to discuss any condition with their veterinarian. One of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses in navicular disease. This is related to damage and inflammation in the navicular bone, a small bone in the lower leg.
Breeds such as the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are most likely to present with the condition. In fact, there are bloodlines that are well known to be highly prone to the disease. The navicular bone is small but very important in the anatomy of the horses leg. It sits at the bottom of the leg, in a position equivalent to the ankle. Ligaments and tendons pass around the bone, making it prone to damage and disintegration.
The signs of a problem with the navicular bone are quite distinct and easy to spot. The lameness will be in the front feet, typically both feet are affected although one is usually worse than the other. The horse will usually present with a shorten stride and the lameness will be especially noticeable when the horse trots on hard ground. The other classic symptom is the horse who points his toes whilst at rest. This is in an attempt to relieve the pain and discomfort they feel and take the pressure off their heels.
As soon as the horse begins to show signs of lameness it is crucial to call in an experienced veterinarian. They will perform a thorough lameness examination and try to pin down the cause. Navicular is a relatively easy condition to diagnose as it presents with a very typical set of symptoms.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
In addition nerve blocks can be a very valuable tool in helping to diagnose the condition. A small amount of anesthetic is injected into the area of the bone and in many cases the horse will appear to be sound. In only the most severe cases should surgery be considered as an option.
Special shoes are one of the best ways to help keep a horse comfortable and in work. The shoes have a bar across the heel that helps to distribute the impact of the foot on the ground. Fitting thick pads under the shoes is another way to help make the animal more comfortable. Seeking out a really good farrier is one of the most important things an owner can do to give their horse the best chance to stay sound and keep working.
Every owners should familiarize themselves with the basics of horse anatomy and physiology. This will be of enormous benefit when they need to discuss any condition with their veterinarian. One of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses in navicular disease. This is related to damage and inflammation in the navicular bone, a small bone in the lower leg.
Breeds such as the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are most likely to present with the condition. In fact, there are bloodlines that are well known to be highly prone to the disease. The navicular bone is small but very important in the anatomy of the horses leg. It sits at the bottom of the leg, in a position equivalent to the ankle. Ligaments and tendons pass around the bone, making it prone to damage and disintegration.
The signs of a problem with the navicular bone are quite distinct and easy to spot. The lameness will be in the front feet, typically both feet are affected although one is usually worse than the other. The horse will usually present with a shorten stride and the lameness will be especially noticeable when the horse trots on hard ground. The other classic symptom is the horse who points his toes whilst at rest. This is in an attempt to relieve the pain and discomfort they feel and take the pressure off their heels.
As soon as the horse begins to show signs of lameness it is crucial to call in an experienced veterinarian. They will perform a thorough lameness examination and try to pin down the cause. Navicular is a relatively easy condition to diagnose as it presents with a very typical set of symptoms.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
In addition nerve blocks can be a very valuable tool in helping to diagnose the condition. A small amount of anesthetic is injected into the area of the bone and in many cases the horse will appear to be sound. In only the most severe cases should surgery be considered as an option.
Special shoes are one of the best ways to help keep a horse comfortable and in work. The shoes have a bar across the heel that helps to distribute the impact of the foot on the ground. Fitting thick pads under the shoes is another way to help make the animal more comfortable. Seeking out a really good farrier is one of the most important things an owner can do to give their horse the best chance to stay sound and keep working.
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