There is surely nothing more distressing for an equestrian to look forward to a ride on your favorite horse, only to get to the stable and find the horse to be lame. Although this is a fairly common condition, especially after a long and rough outride, it is nonetheless of great concern as it is a painful condition for the animal and in most cases complete rest is the best treatment while the bone and surrounding tissue is given time to heal after the navicular syndrome has passed.
A trusted and reputable farrier, or blacksmith, will play one of the most important parts in the well being of a horse as hooves need regular treatment and fitting of the correctly designed shoes is high on the list of priorities. Depending on the regular kind of work the horse does, the right shoes will be important for comfort of the horse. Farriers know that pressure on the soft parts in the hooves should be minimized by the correct shoes, all of which will minimize the occurrence of lameness.
Should lameness occur too often, the advice of a good veterinarian, doing regular check-ups, should routinely be enlisted as the neglected condition could very possibly lead to a disease that can impair the life of the horse. The veterinarian will quickly diagnose possible incorrect habits and treatment will be administered. A special diet may also be recommended for a period of time.
Discovering lameness in one's horse is very disheartening. Recognizing this at an early stage is vital. It will lead to early treatment and therefore earlier recovery.
It is often the case that one front foot is more affected than the other. This can be identified when the animal often switches weight from one leg to the other. Working the horse hard when this condition is evident is not advisable and hard and rough surfaces are to be avoided as this will certainly retard the healing process and prove to be uncomfortable for the animal.
It is generally believed that thoroughbred horses have larger bodies whereas they have small feet and are therefore more inclined to develop lameness. It would appear to be more evident between the ages of seven to fourteen years. The rider's weight will be a determining factor and should always be considered. Ponies are believed to have stronger immunity against the syndrome.
While the recovery time is allowed, a much less intense work pattern will be needed and jumping is sometimes not advisable although, exercise such as slow long distance riding should be undertaken in order for fitness of the horse is to be maintained. Irregular hard surfaces and steep inclines are to be avoided at all cost if steady recovery is to be expected.
Fortunately we have the benefit of extensive research in the field and treatment can be very effective in a short time. Together with the necessary patience and care normal health can be very quickly restored when horse and rider can once again indulge in the pleasure of a good gallop in the country side.
A trusted and reputable farrier, or blacksmith, will play one of the most important parts in the well being of a horse as hooves need regular treatment and fitting of the correctly designed shoes is high on the list of priorities. Depending on the regular kind of work the horse does, the right shoes will be important for comfort of the horse. Farriers know that pressure on the soft parts in the hooves should be minimized by the correct shoes, all of which will minimize the occurrence of lameness.
Should lameness occur too often, the advice of a good veterinarian, doing regular check-ups, should routinely be enlisted as the neglected condition could very possibly lead to a disease that can impair the life of the horse. The veterinarian will quickly diagnose possible incorrect habits and treatment will be administered. A special diet may also be recommended for a period of time.
Discovering lameness in one's horse is very disheartening. Recognizing this at an early stage is vital. It will lead to early treatment and therefore earlier recovery.
It is often the case that one front foot is more affected than the other. This can be identified when the animal often switches weight from one leg to the other. Working the horse hard when this condition is evident is not advisable and hard and rough surfaces are to be avoided as this will certainly retard the healing process and prove to be uncomfortable for the animal.
It is generally believed that thoroughbred horses have larger bodies whereas they have small feet and are therefore more inclined to develop lameness. It would appear to be more evident between the ages of seven to fourteen years. The rider's weight will be a determining factor and should always be considered. Ponies are believed to have stronger immunity against the syndrome.
While the recovery time is allowed, a much less intense work pattern will be needed and jumping is sometimes not advisable although, exercise such as slow long distance riding should be undertaken in order for fitness of the horse is to be maintained. Irregular hard surfaces and steep inclines are to be avoided at all cost if steady recovery is to be expected.
Fortunately we have the benefit of extensive research in the field and treatment can be very effective in a short time. Together with the necessary patience and care normal health can be very quickly restored when horse and rider can once again indulge in the pleasure of a good gallop in the country side.
About the Author:
Navicular syndrome is one of the most common diseases among horses. To learn more about the treatments available, go to http://www.naviculardisease.com today!
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