Navicular syndrome is a condition that affects various animals and even people. The major cause for the syndrome is degenerated and inflammed tissues and bones around the navicular region. Navicular disease in horses begins mildly and proper treatment takes it takes it away in a few months. However, disabling lameness can result if the condition is not treated in good time. The causes, signs, and available treatment options are discussed in this article.
First, it is well if it is understood that the syndrome results from many factors and non is specific. The cause can be a single factor or several factors working together. Many factors also contribute, worsen, and accelerate the occurrence of the problem. Landing with toes first and compression forces acting in navicular region are the major causes however.
Compression is felt under DDF tendons and behind small pastern bones. Cartilage degeneration occurs due to continued compression. Degenerated cartilage cannot absorb shock from movement because they become flat and less springy. Erosion of cartilage may occur in some cases. Erosion causes exposure of underneath bones after some time causing infection from pathogens or development of other more severe conditions.
Toe-first landing has also been associated with this syndrome according to recent research. Misalignment in lower joints is the major reason why horses land with toes first. Deep digital flexor tendons are highly strained with such landings. The strain can be a cause or a major contributing factor to inflammation in tendons and bone modifications. Over-trimming, long toes, and poor shoeing are also causes for toe-first landing . The syndrome is also contributed by work, conformation, body weight, and shoeing.
Besides being many, signs for navicular disease manifest differently. Painful heels is however the commonest sign. Pain is cause by inflammation of ligaments, cartilage erosion, damage of DDF tendon, damage of navicular bursa, or reduced blood flow among others. A change in gait can be an indication of painful heels. Although all front feet are normally affected, one foot feels more pain than the other.
Lameness sometimes moves from one foot to another and starts mild or intermittent and progresses to serious or disabling levels. Lameness is measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1-2 being mild lameness and 3-5 being extreme. Hard surfaces tend to worsen symptoms hence should be avoided. Leaving this signs unattended to eventually causes change in shape. The most affected foot becomes narrower and more upright.
How serious the problem is determines the treatment to be used to treat it. Permanent changes that cannot be reversed by treatment are known to result if treatment is not sort early enough. That is why first signs to show should be treated immediately. Surgery, medication, and exercise are among the treatment options currently in use.
Exercise requires the horse to do less intensive work to given time for the foot to heal. Medications given include anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, and vasodilators. Vasodilators dilate veins causing improved blood flow. Surgery is only applicable in the worst of situations.
First, it is well if it is understood that the syndrome results from many factors and non is specific. The cause can be a single factor or several factors working together. Many factors also contribute, worsen, and accelerate the occurrence of the problem. Landing with toes first and compression forces acting in navicular region are the major causes however.
Compression is felt under DDF tendons and behind small pastern bones. Cartilage degeneration occurs due to continued compression. Degenerated cartilage cannot absorb shock from movement because they become flat and less springy. Erosion of cartilage may occur in some cases. Erosion causes exposure of underneath bones after some time causing infection from pathogens or development of other more severe conditions.
Toe-first landing has also been associated with this syndrome according to recent research. Misalignment in lower joints is the major reason why horses land with toes first. Deep digital flexor tendons are highly strained with such landings. The strain can be a cause or a major contributing factor to inflammation in tendons and bone modifications. Over-trimming, long toes, and poor shoeing are also causes for toe-first landing . The syndrome is also contributed by work, conformation, body weight, and shoeing.
Besides being many, signs for navicular disease manifest differently. Painful heels is however the commonest sign. Pain is cause by inflammation of ligaments, cartilage erosion, damage of DDF tendon, damage of navicular bursa, or reduced blood flow among others. A change in gait can be an indication of painful heels. Although all front feet are normally affected, one foot feels more pain than the other.
Lameness sometimes moves from one foot to another and starts mild or intermittent and progresses to serious or disabling levels. Lameness is measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1-2 being mild lameness and 3-5 being extreme. Hard surfaces tend to worsen symptoms hence should be avoided. Leaving this signs unattended to eventually causes change in shape. The most affected foot becomes narrower and more upright.
How serious the problem is determines the treatment to be used to treat it. Permanent changes that cannot be reversed by treatment are known to result if treatment is not sort early enough. That is why first signs to show should be treated immediately. Surgery, medication, and exercise are among the treatment options currently in use.
Exercise requires the horse to do less intensive work to given time for the foot to heal. Medications given include anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, and vasodilators. Vasodilators dilate veins causing improved blood flow. Surgery is only applicable in the worst of situations.
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