Horses are among mans most favorite animal. They are used for a variety of functions. Though many people may not be aware of this, horses are affected by a lot of diseases. This is because of their environment since they are tamed and lived in control conditions and other interactions which exposes them to these diseases. There are many known infections affecting horses. This article will concentrate on navicular syndrome in horses.
Also referred to as navicular disease, navicular syndrome is a disease which involves inflammatory process on the navicular bone. The surrounding tissues could also be affected. Inflammation may result to degeneration of these tissues. The front feet is commonly affected. Lameness could be the end result of this situation. The area on the hoof, posterior to the coffin bone in the limb of a horse is the navicular area. Several ligaments and tendons attach to this area. These include deep digital flexor and impar ligament. They aid in strengthening the bone.
Currently, there has be no proof of a single cause of this disease. There are only theories suggesting its cause. The first theory suggest it is due to compression of this bone. Repeated compression of this bone and the deep digital flexor results to degeneration of the cartilage. The main role of a cartilage is to absorb shock on the joint. Degeneration therefore results to erosion thus increased friction.
Tension on the ligaments supporting the said bone is the other factor thought to cause this disease. Some experts believe that due to strenuous frequent activities by the horses, tension builds up on the ligaments causing strain and inflammation. This also affects blood supply to the affected area.
There are several contributing factors to this disease. Conformation of the horses feet is the first factor. Some conformations including long toe, low heel conformation contribute to this syndrome. This is because they exert tension or stress on the navicular bone. Poor hoof shape, an inherited condition is also said to be a contributing factor.
Other contributing factors include shoeing and how the horse is trimmed. Basically, the hoof of a horse usually expands and contracts during movements. This is important in ensuring sufficient blood supply. Use of metal shoes for example does not give space for this movements thus inhibits blood flow resulting to inflammation.
Work and the body weight of a horse are other contributing factors. Working on steep hills or jumping contribute to this disease. This is because they exert stress on the bone. Regular exercise on irregular grounds also increases the risk of getting this syndrome. Those with high weight to foot size ratio have increased chances of getting the disease. This is due to stress on the foot.
Signs of infection include heel pain resulting to tip toeing of the horse, changes in shape of hoof and ultimately lameness. Treatment of this syndrome includes proper trimming, hoof care, reduced exercise and adequate medication. Surgery is the treatment option of the last resort.
Also referred to as navicular disease, navicular syndrome is a disease which involves inflammatory process on the navicular bone. The surrounding tissues could also be affected. Inflammation may result to degeneration of these tissues. The front feet is commonly affected. Lameness could be the end result of this situation. The area on the hoof, posterior to the coffin bone in the limb of a horse is the navicular area. Several ligaments and tendons attach to this area. These include deep digital flexor and impar ligament. They aid in strengthening the bone.
Currently, there has be no proof of a single cause of this disease. There are only theories suggesting its cause. The first theory suggest it is due to compression of this bone. Repeated compression of this bone and the deep digital flexor results to degeneration of the cartilage. The main role of a cartilage is to absorb shock on the joint. Degeneration therefore results to erosion thus increased friction.
Tension on the ligaments supporting the said bone is the other factor thought to cause this disease. Some experts believe that due to strenuous frequent activities by the horses, tension builds up on the ligaments causing strain and inflammation. This also affects blood supply to the affected area.
There are several contributing factors to this disease. Conformation of the horses feet is the first factor. Some conformations including long toe, low heel conformation contribute to this syndrome. This is because they exert tension or stress on the navicular bone. Poor hoof shape, an inherited condition is also said to be a contributing factor.
Other contributing factors include shoeing and how the horse is trimmed. Basically, the hoof of a horse usually expands and contracts during movements. This is important in ensuring sufficient blood supply. Use of metal shoes for example does not give space for this movements thus inhibits blood flow resulting to inflammation.
Work and the body weight of a horse are other contributing factors. Working on steep hills or jumping contribute to this disease. This is because they exert stress on the bone. Regular exercise on irregular grounds also increases the risk of getting this syndrome. Those with high weight to foot size ratio have increased chances of getting the disease. This is due to stress on the foot.
Signs of infection include heel pain resulting to tip toeing of the horse, changes in shape of hoof and ultimately lameness. Treatment of this syndrome includes proper trimming, hoof care, reduced exercise and adequate medication. Surgery is the treatment option of the last resort.
No comments:
Post a Comment