It is a condition that affects the navicular bone which is situated in the feet of horses. Navicular syndrome in horses is caused by pressure and tension on the bone leading to its abrasion. The wear and tear causes much pain to horses resulting to reduced performance and maybe retiring. The following factors are causes for this condition.
Limbs in horses are of much importance and anything that alters their function causes feebleness or inefficiency in performance of the animals. At first, it can only be a very mild version of it, but with time as the pain increases it leads to complete lameness. Any signs of reduced activity in a horse should be considered as a symptom of the syndrome.
Due to the much abrasion on this area, horses experiencing this condition have the issue of pain. They always try to ease or relieve the excruciating pain by attempting to make movements that reflect on trying to reduce or keep pressure from the area. Any symptoms of restless movements by the animal and pain should not be overlooked when diagnosing the condition.
Trying to reduce the pressure on the affected limb requires the horse to rise in slightly and concentrate the pressure on the normal limb. This is only achieved by maintaining the ailing hoof in a pointed position such that minimum pressure is applied on it. Pointed positioning of limbs by the horses should be considered as an indicator of the condition.
Walking is not as normal as it is expected to be. The horse starts walking in short strides which are rather stiff. The reason behind it is that, the horse tries to avoid the flat footed normal walking style as it is associated with much pressure. During movements, it tries to use the toe first before the entire heel reducing pressure exerted and relieving itself of the pain. This is a sure sign of the condition.
Difficulty in navigation is also experienced. The horse finds it extremely difficult to make sharp turns or move downhill. The terrain of these places is uneven and it causes increased pressure, strain and tension on the limbs of the animal. Hence, the horse has to try to ease the pain. Navigation problems are therefore strong indicators of navicular syndrome.
Some activities carried out to the horse involve lifting of the limbs to either trim or shoe the hooves. It is very painful for the horse to lift any limb with this condition. It responds to this by being very uncooperative to the exercise. If any conditions of restlessness are observed, the animal should be checked to test the presence of this disease.
Identification of more than one of these signs or several of them should be diagnosed to establish whether it is affected by navicular disease. It is a serious problem and if not catered for may lead to total lameness of the horse. It can also be a cause of making them retire from their work earlier. When diagnosed, the appropriate care and treatment should be undertaken.
Limbs in horses are of much importance and anything that alters their function causes feebleness or inefficiency in performance of the animals. At first, it can only be a very mild version of it, but with time as the pain increases it leads to complete lameness. Any signs of reduced activity in a horse should be considered as a symptom of the syndrome.
Due to the much abrasion on this area, horses experiencing this condition have the issue of pain. They always try to ease or relieve the excruciating pain by attempting to make movements that reflect on trying to reduce or keep pressure from the area. Any symptoms of restless movements by the animal and pain should not be overlooked when diagnosing the condition.
Trying to reduce the pressure on the affected limb requires the horse to rise in slightly and concentrate the pressure on the normal limb. This is only achieved by maintaining the ailing hoof in a pointed position such that minimum pressure is applied on it. Pointed positioning of limbs by the horses should be considered as an indicator of the condition.
Walking is not as normal as it is expected to be. The horse starts walking in short strides which are rather stiff. The reason behind it is that, the horse tries to avoid the flat footed normal walking style as it is associated with much pressure. During movements, it tries to use the toe first before the entire heel reducing pressure exerted and relieving itself of the pain. This is a sure sign of the condition.
Difficulty in navigation is also experienced. The horse finds it extremely difficult to make sharp turns or move downhill. The terrain of these places is uneven and it causes increased pressure, strain and tension on the limbs of the animal. Hence, the horse has to try to ease the pain. Navigation problems are therefore strong indicators of navicular syndrome.
Some activities carried out to the horse involve lifting of the limbs to either trim or shoe the hooves. It is very painful for the horse to lift any limb with this condition. It responds to this by being very uncooperative to the exercise. If any conditions of restlessness are observed, the animal should be checked to test the presence of this disease.
Identification of more than one of these signs or several of them should be diagnosed to establish whether it is affected by navicular disease. It is a serious problem and if not catered for may lead to total lameness of the horse. It can also be a cause of making them retire from their work earlier. When diagnosed, the appropriate care and treatment should be undertaken.
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