Every day people see horses that move with a limp. In some cases, the limp may be a result of a simple injury, but in some, it may be an indicator of a more serious underlying problem. In the latter case, immediate intervention is needed. Navicular syndrome in horses refers to a group of related conditions or diseases that are usually very serious and disabling.
The condition does not occur beyond navicular bones and tissues and structures that surround them. If treatment is not sought for too long, permanent lameness results. Most cases of permanent lameness today are as a result of this condition. Chances of stopping permanent lameness from occurring in the long-run are still limited even if the problem is discovered in good time and treatment started. In simple words, the disorder is just severe.
Navicular syndrome is caused by several reasons and it may sometimes be difficult to pinpoint which one is responsible in a certain case. Some studies have come to the conclusion that the cause for the disorder is not known while some link hereditary factors to it. The possibility of heredity playing a role has caused some countries to prohibit use of affected stallions for breeding. Consequently, such countries continue to experience reduced number of cases of the problem.
Some major causes of the disorder are reduced blood flow to the bone due to interference or trauma caused to the bone as a result of various actions. In the end, ligaments, bursa, and surrounding structures get damaged permanently. Permanent damage causes lameness which may be irrecoverable. Young animals are not affected by the problem. However, those at the age of five and beyond are at a higher risk and are the ones often affected.
Symptoms present themselves in different ways and can be hard to notice during the first phases. The condition is more common in front feet and symptoms include low grade lameness. At this stage, the animal may show a slight limp in both feet. The condition becomes worse over time if not taken care of. Symptoms are also characteristically intermittent, and may only show when the animal is exercising on hard grounds or moving in small circles.
There are cases when the effects are more severe in one foot. In such instances, movement is characterized by an obvious limp. The affected leg is also usually placed in front by the animal because of too much pain being felt. Additionally, the horse never places its full weight on the hurting heels. It prefers standing on toes. To increases chances of a full recovery, treatment and invention efforts should start at this point.
There are many ways of diagnosing the problem. First maintaining a history of symptoms is necessary. Veterinarians may base diagnosis on the history. Existence of the problem is confirmed by radiography.
The problem can also be diagnosed through MRI scans. Both methods show any damages done to the bone. However, scans and pictures taken may be interpreted differently by various veterinarians because of difference in opinion. Professionals hold different opinions on what normal bones should appear like.
The condition does not occur beyond navicular bones and tissues and structures that surround them. If treatment is not sought for too long, permanent lameness results. Most cases of permanent lameness today are as a result of this condition. Chances of stopping permanent lameness from occurring in the long-run are still limited even if the problem is discovered in good time and treatment started. In simple words, the disorder is just severe.
Navicular syndrome is caused by several reasons and it may sometimes be difficult to pinpoint which one is responsible in a certain case. Some studies have come to the conclusion that the cause for the disorder is not known while some link hereditary factors to it. The possibility of heredity playing a role has caused some countries to prohibit use of affected stallions for breeding. Consequently, such countries continue to experience reduced number of cases of the problem.
Some major causes of the disorder are reduced blood flow to the bone due to interference or trauma caused to the bone as a result of various actions. In the end, ligaments, bursa, and surrounding structures get damaged permanently. Permanent damage causes lameness which may be irrecoverable. Young animals are not affected by the problem. However, those at the age of five and beyond are at a higher risk and are the ones often affected.
Symptoms present themselves in different ways and can be hard to notice during the first phases. The condition is more common in front feet and symptoms include low grade lameness. At this stage, the animal may show a slight limp in both feet. The condition becomes worse over time if not taken care of. Symptoms are also characteristically intermittent, and may only show when the animal is exercising on hard grounds or moving in small circles.
There are cases when the effects are more severe in one foot. In such instances, movement is characterized by an obvious limp. The affected leg is also usually placed in front by the animal because of too much pain being felt. Additionally, the horse never places its full weight on the hurting heels. It prefers standing on toes. To increases chances of a full recovery, treatment and invention efforts should start at this point.
There are many ways of diagnosing the problem. First maintaining a history of symptoms is necessary. Veterinarians may base diagnosis on the history. Existence of the problem is confirmed by radiography.
The problem can also be diagnosed through MRI scans. Both methods show any damages done to the bone. However, scans and pictures taken may be interpreted differently by various veterinarians because of difference in opinion. Professionals hold different opinions on what normal bones should appear like.
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