The Fatal Horse Navicular Disease

By Janine Hughes


It is also known as the navicular syndrome and it is an illness that mainly affects horses. It is the inflammation of the navicular bone on the front feet of a horse and its surrounding tissues. In extreme cases it can lead to disability or lameness of the animal. It is therefore very necessary to treat navicular disease as soon as the symptoms start showing.

The two factors that largely contribute to the development of this disease is tension and compression of the bone and its surrounding structures. Compression causes the cartilage to perform functions poorly. It causes degradation that leads to the exposure of the bone beneath it. The exposed bone becomes more prone to other external forces. This whole process causes a lot of pain to the animal.

Tension experienced by the ligaments at the navicular bone is the second contributing factor. The strain of the ligaments leads to reduced blood flow. There is also high blood pressure experienced inside the bone. This causes some of the vital minerals to be adsorbed from the center of the bone. The bone becomes weak and prone to changes in shape.

The symptoms of these disease are very hard to ignore. If you interact with your horse often you will notice the soreness of the foot affected by the ailment. The horse will once in a while stumble due to the immense pain it is experiencing. Several months later, you will notice that the foot will even change in shape. It will be narrower and upright.

There has not been a single treatment that has worked for the navicular syndrome. This is because, there is no particular thing that is said to cause the disease. The disease is a result of a process. The changes that occur at the bone are not reversible therefore very little that can be done. One should try and manage the condition by focusing on how to ease the pain at the hooves.

Foot shape and form can be improved through trimming. A number of horses who have underrun heels are mostly affected by the disease. This practice assists in changing biomechanical and other balance of the foot. This will stimulate the foot and will improve the condition of the limb.

Shoeing is also a vital hoof care. It ensures support to the heel and help in heel related hazards. It aids in blood circulation in the heel and increase a good foot form. There are many shoe types which one can select from. Every one of them has its own benefits.

Exercise is a very important aspect when it comes to control and treatment of ailments. One is therefore required to exercise the horse so as to build the physique. It will promote good circulation with in the body. Slow long distance walks and swimming are very helpful during control of the disease. One should not engage them in vigorous exercises like running at very high speeds. The horses should not also be strained while walking on very rocky surfaces or even jumping.

The illness can be managed through a number of methods. It is always advisable to seek advice from your vet. They may have some medication that will fasten the healing process.




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