Recognizing Navicular Disease In Horses
Owning a horse is a very big privilege, as well as being quite expensive. Most owners like to keep their animals in private boarding barns where they can be cared for to a high standard. It is also much more convenient than trying to do all the work themselves. Between busy work schedules, family and other commitments it can be difficult enough to find the time to ride.
A horse is a valuable animal, especially one that has done well in competition. Owners and trainers dread the thought of navicular disease in horses. This condition is one of the most feared in the industry as it often spells the end of the animals productive life. A horse that is showing a lot of promise as a jumper will have no future once he has been diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
Occasionally a horse will have a very odd set of symptoms that can really confuse even the most experienced veterinarian. It has been known for an animal to show no signs of front end lameness, instead looking like it has a serious back problem. However on close examination no signs of an actual back issue can be found. In these cases the horse is trying very hard to disguise its lameness by taking all the weight off its front feet.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
The preferred test for navicular is a standard nerve block. Small amounts of anesthetic are injected into the joint. If the horse is trotted up on a hard surface and is sound, it is pretty conclusive that they are suffering from this condition. It is important that the animal is given rest and put on a course of appropriate medication.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
A number of effective medications are available to treat the symptoms of navicular disease. However, it is important for owners to understand that there is no cure for this condition. It is merely a case of managing the symptoms and keeping the horse comfortable.
A horse is a valuable animal, especially one that has done well in competition. Owners and trainers dread the thought of navicular disease in horses. This condition is one of the most feared in the industry as it often spells the end of the animals productive life. A horse that is showing a lot of promise as a jumper will have no future once he has been diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
Occasionally a horse will have a very odd set of symptoms that can really confuse even the most experienced veterinarian. It has been known for an animal to show no signs of front end lameness, instead looking like it has a serious back problem. However on close examination no signs of an actual back issue can be found. In these cases the horse is trying very hard to disguise its lameness by taking all the weight off its front feet.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
The preferred test for navicular is a standard nerve block. Small amounts of anesthetic are injected into the joint. If the horse is trotted up on a hard surface and is sound, it is pretty conclusive that they are suffering from this condition. It is important that the animal is given rest and put on a course of appropriate medication.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
A number of effective medications are available to treat the symptoms of navicular disease. However, it is important for owners to understand that there is no cure for this condition. It is merely a case of managing the symptoms and keeping the horse comfortable.
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