Those who own or work with horses know that there are various health problems that can develop in these animals. Navicular disease or syndrome is one example. This refers to a condition associated with soundness problems in a horse. It is often recognized as the inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues. Navicular syndrome in horses can produce other notable health problems, such as lameness.
In order to understand what this syndrome involves, one must first know what the navicular region includes. This bone is positioned posterior to the coffin bone and also underneath the small pastern. The navicular is surrounded by several ligaments that provide it with support.
There is no one cause linked to the occurrence of this syndrome but there are many different theories that exist. Two of the most common beliefs related to compression and tension. Continual compression in this area can create degeneration of cartilage, which eventually leads to reduction in spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to more brittleness and added friction between bones because of the lack of cartilage.
This problem might also be the result of tension. If there is too much of this in the nearby ligaments, degeneration is believed to start. This extra tension produces straining and inflammation. As a result, there is a decrease flow of blood to and from the bone.
If the blood flow is held back, pressure may build inside the bone. When there is this extra pressure and no blood, this bone may begin to absorb mineral in its center, which is cause for concern. Another issues associated with tension is the problem of exostoses, or the ligaments attaching to this bone. Sometimes the tension becomes so much that the ligaments start to tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
Horses with this problem may have a tiptoe gait. They might even attempt to walk on their toes just to avoid heel pain. One might also recognize a problem with frequent stumbling. Lameness can switch between legs and be otherwise inconsistent. If this problem continues on, the feet might take on a new shape, usually becoming more upright and narrow.
Hoof care, medication, surgery, exercise and trimming can be useful in managing this condition. Typically multiple solutions are employed. Every situation is different and so it is important that horses be put in the care of animal professionals. Some changes that are brought about by the progression of this syndrome cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, it is a top priority for most to get he animal medical attention to relieve pain and slow the progression of this condition.
In order to understand what this syndrome involves, one must first know what the navicular region includes. This bone is positioned posterior to the coffin bone and also underneath the small pastern. The navicular is surrounded by several ligaments that provide it with support.
There is no one cause linked to the occurrence of this syndrome but there are many different theories that exist. Two of the most common beliefs related to compression and tension. Continual compression in this area can create degeneration of cartilage, which eventually leads to reduction in spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to more brittleness and added friction between bones because of the lack of cartilage.
This problem might also be the result of tension. If there is too much of this in the nearby ligaments, degeneration is believed to start. This extra tension produces straining and inflammation. As a result, there is a decrease flow of blood to and from the bone.
If the blood flow is held back, pressure may build inside the bone. When there is this extra pressure and no blood, this bone may begin to absorb mineral in its center, which is cause for concern. Another issues associated with tension is the problem of exostoses, or the ligaments attaching to this bone. Sometimes the tension becomes so much that the ligaments start to tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
Horses with this problem may have a tiptoe gait. They might even attempt to walk on their toes just to avoid heel pain. One might also recognize a problem with frequent stumbling. Lameness can switch between legs and be otherwise inconsistent. If this problem continues on, the feet might take on a new shape, usually becoming more upright and narrow.
Hoof care, medication, surgery, exercise and trimming can be useful in managing this condition. Typically multiple solutions are employed. Every situation is different and so it is important that horses be put in the care of animal professionals. Some changes that are brought about by the progression of this syndrome cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, it is a top priority for most to get he animal medical attention to relieve pain and slow the progression of this condition.
