Caudal heel pain syndrome refers to a degenerative disorder of the structure of hoof of a horse. Navicular syndrome is particularly associated with the navicular bone, which is sometimes known as distal sesamoid bone. Distal sesamoid bone is small and is set deeply within the hoof. It is as the posterior junction of the short pastern and coffin bones.
The disease is characterized with a lot of pain due to changes in the position of bursa, ligaments, tendons and bones. Partial lameness, which worsens with time, is observed among animals suffering from the disorder. The pain is experienced in the fore feet making the horse want to reduce strain placed on them as much as they can. While resting, the most painful hoof is normally held ahead of the other.
The other signs of the disease include difficulties when negotiating sharp corners. It also becomes difficult for the animal to walk on rocky ground besides being unable to go downhill. The condition makes the animal uncooperative when being shoed or trimmed since this involves picking up one fore foot while putting pressure on the other hoof supporting the animal. Once, the strain is placed on one hoof the animal feels pain, hence the resistance.
There is no guarantee that particular breeds of horses do not develop the problem. Although, the problem is common in stock type horses such as appaloosas, paints, and quarter horses. Warmblood horses and thoroughbreds are also likely to suffer from this condition. On the other hand, Arabian horse is rarely affected by the disease. The weight of the animal could lead to this syndrome because overweight horses put excess strain on their musculoskeletal system.
The pain reduces with rest but worsens with more work. Once the disorder is determined by a qualified vet the affected horses should be given proper treatment. Treatment may be include altering the schedule or have the horse operated on. Shoeing with shoes having a square shape or trimming the toes is a possible remedy. When this is doing the strain put on the hoof reduces greatly.
Medical therapy includes administering anti-inflammatory medicines like phenylbutazone. Vasodilator drugs like isoxsuprine, pentoxifyline, and metrenperone are applied to improve flow of blood to the affected parts. Administering certain drugs is not allowed if the horse is taking part in some competitions. For this cause, it is better to consult with a qualified veterinary prior to administering any medication.
Surgical approach to navicular disease involves digital neurectomy. Neurectomy involves transecting the digital nerve within the lower pastern area and prolonging its growth as long as possible. The surgery can be performed using two approaches. The first approach includes transecting the nerve using a scalpel blade or performing the surgery using high-tech operation laser. Either approach is used when deemed necessary and also to minimize complications.
Neurectomy is not cure rather it is a technique that removes the pain when every method has failed. It is not a long-lasting solution as it might have to be repeated at some time. Compilations can arise from this technique though this is rear. Neuroma is the commonest complication.it is a painful tumor, which grows at the tip of transected nerve.
The disease is characterized with a lot of pain due to changes in the position of bursa, ligaments, tendons and bones. Partial lameness, which worsens with time, is observed among animals suffering from the disorder. The pain is experienced in the fore feet making the horse want to reduce strain placed on them as much as they can. While resting, the most painful hoof is normally held ahead of the other.
The other signs of the disease include difficulties when negotiating sharp corners. It also becomes difficult for the animal to walk on rocky ground besides being unable to go downhill. The condition makes the animal uncooperative when being shoed or trimmed since this involves picking up one fore foot while putting pressure on the other hoof supporting the animal. Once, the strain is placed on one hoof the animal feels pain, hence the resistance.
There is no guarantee that particular breeds of horses do not develop the problem. Although, the problem is common in stock type horses such as appaloosas, paints, and quarter horses. Warmblood horses and thoroughbreds are also likely to suffer from this condition. On the other hand, Arabian horse is rarely affected by the disease. The weight of the animal could lead to this syndrome because overweight horses put excess strain on their musculoskeletal system.
The pain reduces with rest but worsens with more work. Once the disorder is determined by a qualified vet the affected horses should be given proper treatment. Treatment may be include altering the schedule or have the horse operated on. Shoeing with shoes having a square shape or trimming the toes is a possible remedy. When this is doing the strain put on the hoof reduces greatly.
Medical therapy includes administering anti-inflammatory medicines like phenylbutazone. Vasodilator drugs like isoxsuprine, pentoxifyline, and metrenperone are applied to improve flow of blood to the affected parts. Administering certain drugs is not allowed if the horse is taking part in some competitions. For this cause, it is better to consult with a qualified veterinary prior to administering any medication.
Surgical approach to navicular disease involves digital neurectomy. Neurectomy involves transecting the digital nerve within the lower pastern area and prolonging its growth as long as possible. The surgery can be performed using two approaches. The first approach includes transecting the nerve using a scalpel blade or performing the surgery using high-tech operation laser. Either approach is used when deemed necessary and also to minimize complications.
Neurectomy is not cure rather it is a technique that removes the pain when every method has failed. It is not a long-lasting solution as it might have to be repeated at some time. Compilations can arise from this technique though this is rear. Neuroma is the commonest complication.it is a painful tumor, which grows at the tip of transected nerve.
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