The 3 Week Diet

Do you think that these are the best solutions ?

Treatment Options For Navicular Disease

Filled under:

By Ina Hunt


Just like humans, horses can suffer from chronic conditions that are caused by damage or inflammation to their bones and joints. Even in the case of a horse who has been well cared for since birth, sudden lameness can occur. It is up to the owners, trainers and barn managers to keep a close eye on every animal and know their way of moving and typical behavior.

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 bone is prone to damage because of its location in the lower part of the leg, near to the hoof. It also acts as a fulcrum for ligaments and this adds additional stress to the situation. It is also important to know that certain breeds of horse, particularly the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are more prone to developing this condition. This is because they are both large breeds of horse with relatively small feet.

Some cases of lameness are caused when the bone is affected by poor circulation in the leg. This can often be treated with anti inflammatory drugs. These are often enough to keep the animal in work and useful. However, care must always be taken to ensure the animal is not ridden at a fast pace on hard ground as this will aggravate the situation. Working on grass or in a sand ring is must better and reduces trauma to the feet and legs.

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.

As the horse begins to experience chronic and consistent pain in his front feet he will often adopt the habit of pointing his toes whilst resting. This is a classic symptom of navicular problems and should be taken very seriously. The horse is trying to take the stress off their toes and leans back onto their heels. This in turn can lead to additional issues and problems.

Correct shoeing is one of the most valuable treatments for a horse diagnosed with navicular. It is vital to find a really good farrier who understands the anatomy of the hoof correctly. They can design and fit special shoes that will help to relieve the pressure on the foot and make the horse more comfortable.

Special shoes are one of the best ways to help keep a horse comfortable and in work. The shoes have a bar across the heel that helps to distribute the impact of the foot on the ground. Fitting thick pads under the shoes is another way to help make the animal more comfortable. Seeking out a really good farrier is one of the most important things an owner can do to give their horse the best chance to stay sound and keep working.




About the Author:



0 commentaires:

Post a Comment