People who work closely with, or own, horses know the health problems they can develop over time. Navicular disease or syndrome is an example of these ailments. This is used to define a condition of soundness problems in the animal. It may involve degeneration or inflammation of the navicular bone and nearby tissues. Navicular syndrome in horses can lead to other major health conditions, including the problem of disabling lameness.
In understanding what this syndrome entails, one must understand what this area consists of. This bone is located behind the coffin bone and underneath the small pastern. This navicular bone has several ligaments around it that offers it support.
There is no one cause linked to the occurrence of this syndrome but there are many different theories that exist. Two of the most common beliefs related to compression and tension. Continual compression in this area can create degeneration of cartilage, which eventually leads to reduction in spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to more brittleness and added friction between bones because of the lack of cartilage.
This problem might also be the result of tension. If there is too much of this in the nearby ligaments, degeneration is believed to start. This extra tension produces straining and inflammation. As a result, there is a decrease flow of blood to and from the bone.
When blood flow is obstructed in this way, it could lead to a build up in pressure inside the bone. If there is the added pressure and lack of blood supply, the bone might begin to absorb mineral from its center. Another issues related to added tension is exostoses, which is when the ligaments begin to attach to the bone. If tension gets too excessive, ligaments might even tear.
There are certain things that can exacerbate the issues. Body weight, work, shoeing and conformation may worsen the condition. There are certain things to look out for when diagnosing this problem. Heel pain is perhaps the most common side effect. Lameness is also common and may start as a mild problem and develop to something more serious, even disabling. This might be due to the strain and inflammation on ligaments that are used to support the bone, increased pressure, or reduced blood flow. Navicular bursa and DDF tendon damage, as well as cartilage erosion, might also develop.
Horses suffering with this are known to have a tiptoe gait. That is, they attempt to use their toes for walking to avoid heel pain. One may also note that they stumble frequently. Lameness might present itself, switching between legs and being otherwise inconsistent. If the problem goes on without treatment, the feet of the horse might take on a new, narrow and upright shape.
Trimming, hoof care, surgery, medication and exercise are often used for treating this condition. Usually more than one method is applied at once. Every case will be different. It is important to work with animal professionals when deciding on a plan for care. Some of the changes brought on by this may not be reversible. Still, it is important to try to best manage the condition and offer the animal some pain relief while also slowing down the progression of the syndrome.
In understanding what this syndrome entails, one must understand what this area consists of. This bone is located behind the coffin bone and underneath the small pastern. This navicular bone has several ligaments around it that offers it support.
There is no one cause linked to the occurrence of this syndrome but there are many different theories that exist. Two of the most common beliefs related to compression and tension. Continual compression in this area can create degeneration of cartilage, which eventually leads to reduction in spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to more brittleness and added friction between bones because of the lack of cartilage.
This problem might also be the result of tension. If there is too much of this in the nearby ligaments, degeneration is believed to start. This extra tension produces straining and inflammation. As a result, there is a decrease flow of blood to and from the bone.
When blood flow is obstructed in this way, it could lead to a build up in pressure inside the bone. If there is the added pressure and lack of blood supply, the bone might begin to absorb mineral from its center. Another issues related to added tension is exostoses, which is when the ligaments begin to attach to the bone. If tension gets too excessive, ligaments might even tear.
There are certain things that can exacerbate the issues. Body weight, work, shoeing and conformation may worsen the condition. There are certain things to look out for when diagnosing this problem. Heel pain is perhaps the most common side effect. Lameness is also common and may start as a mild problem and develop to something more serious, even disabling. This might be due to the strain and inflammation on ligaments that are used to support the bone, increased pressure, or reduced blood flow. Navicular bursa and DDF tendon damage, as well as cartilage erosion, might also develop.
Horses suffering with this are known to have a tiptoe gait. That is, they attempt to use their toes for walking to avoid heel pain. One may also note that they stumble frequently. Lameness might present itself, switching between legs and being otherwise inconsistent. If the problem goes on without treatment, the feet of the horse might take on a new, narrow and upright shape.
Trimming, hoof care, surgery, medication and exercise are often used for treating this condition. Usually more than one method is applied at once. Every case will be different. It is important to work with animal professionals when deciding on a plan for care. Some of the changes brought on by this may not be reversible. Still, it is important to try to best manage the condition and offer the animal some pain relief while also slowing down the progression of the syndrome.
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