Facts About Navicular Disease In Horses

By Ina Hunt


Through the years, horses have proved themselves to be one of the most helpful domestic animal known to man. If dogs are used for hunting wild animals, horses have been used for transportation services and other means of travel. Equines are also used to control herds. They are even used in police force in pursuit of a criminal back when police cars were not yet thought of.

Now, they are exhibited in games everywhere, including the Olympics. They are also considered attractions in exhibition shows and in traditional ceremonies such as parades and the like. There is a scarcity of wild horses during these modern times, and most of them are kept in ranches and stables. Most domestic ones are not immune to diseases, especially from navicular disease in horses.

One very common disease that strikes quadrupeds is the navicular disease. As its name suggests, it affects this particular bone in the hooves of horses. More specifically, it is located behind the coffin bone. The front feet of most quadrupeds are the areas that generally suffer. If your stallion has this disease, it means there is an inflammation of the navicular area and the surrounding spots.

There are really no exact reasons why this particular disease hits quadrupeds. Experts on equine care have their own theories and discussions as to why this happens, as here are some of their calculated guesses. One is overexertion. Lack of rest, as they are to stand all day long, can cause heavy strain on the feet of quadrupeds. Horses with bigger body mass also tend to develop navicular syndrome, as the hooves struggle to support all the extra weight.

Age does not really contribute to the development of the sickness, contrary to popular belief. Those who are as old as 20 years can develop the disease, also those as young as three years old only. Some very old animals do not even develop the said illness, as it generally hits those equines who are aged seven to nine.

Horse shoes affixed to the hooves of horses also do not help one bit. Too tight or incorrectly placed shoes can hinder with the normal blood flow to the feet of the horse. The lack of oxygen then makes the hoof degenerate, leading to serious issues.

If the horse normally travels on areas that are too rocky and could possibly uneven, the chances of developing navicular disease also increase. Steep hills and sloped ranges cause the horse to give more effort, resulting in hoof disorder. Make your horse work or travel along areas that are conducive for trotting along. For those who are participating in equestrian sports, all the high jumps and gallops that a horse makes will also affect the navicula negatively.

It is very easy to spot a beast with possible navicular disease. If you see an equine that takes awkward steps that make it appear lame, consult it with the veterinarian. If the vet confirms the diagnosis, the first order of business is to have the shoes refitted. Some will even have to place tiny pads on the hooves to elevate it at more comfortable angles.

Medical treatment may also lesen the pain and the adverse effects of the said disease. Anti inflammatory drugs are administered in most cases. However, AHSA rules limit one from using steroidal medication, so make sure the drugs you are using are non steroidal.




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