Useful And Essential Facts About Navicular Disease In Horses

By Rebecca Russell


The word navicular is used in reference to a progressive degenerative condition in horses. The condition affects the navicular bone. The bone is found behind the coffin bone of the hoof. The ciondition furthermore upsets the bursa and flexor tendons. Researchers have it that the condition is not fit to be called a disease. It is somewhat a disorder of a number of aberrations. These happen in either one or both fore-feet of horses. This is worth knowing about Navicular disease in horses.

Previously, it was difficult to get the exact location of the navicular bone in horses. As a result, it was necessary to learn more concerning the disorder. Nevertheless, advancements in technology have made it easier to pinpoint the precise spot where the bone is located. Changes that cause the condition to develop are now easy to identify due to the existence of better technology.

The use of MRI scanning makes it possible to study the anatomy of the feet much better. It is now well understood that there are several medical conditions that can affect different anatomical parts of a horse. Whereas some of these medical conditions can be treated completely, some remain difficult to treat. Also, certain breeds of horses have been known to be at a higher probability of experiencing the condition.

Among the main reasons leading to the occurrence of the condition is age. The illness is additionally known to get worse as the animal continues to age. The fact that horses are able to live longer today causes the condition to get very bad in some cases. It is for this reason that early diagnosis of the problem and identification of available options for treatment is important.

Like stated earlier, several problems can lead to this condition. These problems include injury to ligaments that support lower feet, inflammation, and problems with the flexor tendon or surface. These problems occur more commonly in animals that are used for performance sports. Thus, they are the major causes of lameness in animals.

Some of the horse breeds which are well known for developing the condition more often are thoroughbreds, warmbloods, and quarter horses. The problem develops in horses normally while they are within the age range of between 7 and 14 years. Other factors which expose horses to the condition are underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, broken forward/backward hoof axis and contracted heels.

The extent to which the problem happens in the two feet often varies. In many instances, one foot gets distressed more than the other. This leads to lameness in one foot, and this is noticed faster. The simplest way of noticing lameness in one foot is when the animal is negotiation tough corners. When going round tight corners, the animal has a tendency to swap their feet.

Usually, the pain is perceived in the area around the heel. Normally, this causes horses to set down in the toe to heal and not the usual heel to toe way. This is normally done by the animal so as to avoid pain linked to usual landing. This slight signs may not be easily noticeable, more so for starters. Hence in the attempt to ease the condition, the horse should be taped on video and played in slow motion. This makes it easy to identify signs.




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