Horse owners and trainers have many things to worry about on a daily basis. Horses are large animals who do a surprisingly good job of taking care of themselves. However, even with the best care and attention they can still become lame. It is these situations, with no obvious injury or cause of the problem that are often the most difficult to diagnose. There are several conditions that owners need to be very aware of and know the signs and symptoms of.
Every owners should familiarize themselves with the basics of horse anatomy and physiology. This will be of enormous benefit when they need to discuss any condition with their veterinarian. One of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses in navicular disease. This is related to damage and inflammation in the navicular bone, a small bone in the lower leg.
The condition is caused when the small but important navicular bone experiences stress or begins to degenerate. This is often a hereditary condition that affects certain breeds of horse. Quarter horses, with the stocky bodies and small feet and most commonly affected. Some blood lines are well known to be prone to the condition and should be avoided if possible.
Symptoms will typically strike between the ages of seven and fourteen. Although it is possible for horses as young as four to be seriously affected. The earlier the condition begins the more severe it usually is. A horse who is seriously lame at four or five years old will not have much hope of a working or competitive career. They can sometimes be used as pasture mates or for very light work if they are still safe.
As soon as the horse begins to show signs of lameness it is crucial to call in an experienced veterinarian. They will perform a thorough lameness examination and try to pin down the cause. Navicular is a relatively easy condition to diagnose as it presents with a very typical set of symptoms.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
Once a diagnosis has been made there are a number of treatment options. Most animals respond well to anti inflammatory drugs. These can be powdered up and added to the feed. Most are safe for long term use, but there are restrictions for competition horses and riders need to be aware of these. These drugs can also help increase blood flow in the lower leg and this will also help to relive the symptoms.
The most typical type of corrective shoe has a bar across the heel. This helps to raise the heel to the correct angle, which in turn reduces stress on the bones. Used in conjunction with medication and a careful work schedule many horses can continue with their working lives. A diagnosis of navicular does not need to be the end of a horses useful life.
Every owners should familiarize themselves with the basics of horse anatomy and physiology. This will be of enormous benefit when they need to discuss any condition with their veterinarian. One of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses in navicular disease. This is related to damage and inflammation in the navicular bone, a small bone in the lower leg.
The condition is caused when the small but important navicular bone experiences stress or begins to degenerate. This is often a hereditary condition that affects certain breeds of horse. Quarter horses, with the stocky bodies and small feet and most commonly affected. Some blood lines are well known to be prone to the condition and should be avoided if possible.
Symptoms will typically strike between the ages of seven and fourteen. Although it is possible for horses as young as four to be seriously affected. The earlier the condition begins the more severe it usually is. A horse who is seriously lame at four or five years old will not have much hope of a working or competitive career. They can sometimes be used as pasture mates or for very light work if they are still safe.
As soon as the horse begins to show signs of lameness it is crucial to call in an experienced veterinarian. They will perform a thorough lameness examination and try to pin down the cause. Navicular is a relatively easy condition to diagnose as it presents with a very typical set of symptoms.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
Once a diagnosis has been made there are a number of treatment options. Most animals respond well to anti inflammatory drugs. These can be powdered up and added to the feed. Most are safe for long term use, but there are restrictions for competition horses and riders need to be aware of these. These drugs can also help increase blood flow in the lower leg and this will also help to relive the symptoms.
The most typical type of corrective shoe has a bar across the heel. This helps to raise the heel to the correct angle, which in turn reduces stress on the bones. Used in conjunction with medication and a careful work schedule many horses can continue with their working lives. A diagnosis of navicular does not need to be the end of a horses useful life.
