adovr_d87389c80da99bef8f38776d3f905184 Articles medical and health: Identifying And Treating Navicular Disease

Identifying And Treating Navicular Disease

By Karina Frost


A lot of effort should be put into caring for a horse. They deserve a lot of care because if they are neglected, they tend to get sickly. A horse owner should be ready for extra expenses since a horse may get hurt or become sick. The navicular disease describes any disease causing pain in the area of the navicular bone. Its effect is visible on the front limbs.

A horse owner can check for this disease symptoms. However, it is only advisable for a professional to do it. Some symptoms include: shortened strides and lameness. Lameness in horses with this disease, is normally severe when they are constantly at work. It lessens when they get some rest. Another sign is when the horse constantly shifts weight to relieve pressure on the heel.

There are no scientific reasons for this disease leading to many speculations. Some of these include: If your horse lacks proper farrier care it could easily get this disease. Horses that do a lot of parade work and those always on rough terrains are often diagnosed with this condition. This disease leads to decreased blood flow.

One treatment method is referred to as shoeing. This involves taking care of the hooves of the horses using the various shoe designs that exist. Each shoe is for a particular horse. The shoeing method enables there to be an equal base on each side of the hoof. You will notice that the horse does not struggle to move around or support its weight. It will also always land on its heel first when moving.

Medicinal drugs can also be given. They allow more blood flow which is normally lessened in this condition. Exercise within a particular time such as an hour or less can be done. In this method the horse is taught how to concentrate weight on different limbs. This decreases the normal strain on the front side.

Surgery is described as a drastic method that is necessary when all other methods fail. Ligaments could be cut therefore improving the condition. Another method of surgery involves the cutting of nerves. This stops the animal from sensing pain in the hoof area. After this procedure, a horse still needs a constant visit to the vet to re-do the procedure.

Surgery always has its ups and downs. The nerve may grow again causing more pain to the animal. Moreover, there could also be a growth of benign tumors. This could be found at the base of the cut nerve. Veterinary officers have come up with procedures to rectify these problems. However, as advised this method should be used when necessary.

Always monitor your horse to know when it is acting off. If it has difficulty going downhill and moving while on hard ground you should definitely investigate further. You are likely to miss some of these signs so when in doubt look for a veterinary. Your horse will eventually be back in shape and back to its original activities. If best care is taken, dealing with this disease is not a problem. Once symptoms are detected do not waste time, consult an expert.




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