The navicular bone and surrounding tissues sometimes get problems. This is the bone that is in the front part of the foot. It is located behind the coffin bone and next to small pastern bone. A strong bundle of tendons run across the part to the back part of the coffin bone. They also pass through the soft tissue. Some cartilage is found between these two bones. Moreover, there is a fluid sack just over the navicular bone to prevent it from getting abraded. The syndrome causes inflammation around this area and sometimes causing the bone to degenerate and causing disabling lameness to the horse. Therefore, there is much need to ensure navicular disease in horses is handled in the early stages.
There is no single factor that is wholly responsible for the syndrome. Animal health expert have put forward theories to explain possible causes. The first theory asserts that the syndrome could be caused by compression of navicular bone by tendons and pastern bone on the rear. It is also believed to cause cartilage degeneration. Degeneration causes flattening of cartilage making it less springy and unable to handle heavy shock.
Research has shown gradual but persistent cartilage erosion along the navicular bone in horse with the syndrome. It is believed to be associated with some biochemical changes similar to osteoarthritis in humans. Persistent erosion wears off the cartilage and exposes the underneath bone. This bone constantly rubs against the tendons continually causing inflammation. Compression also makes the bone increase in density and thus becomes brittle. Brittle bones break easily.
Research has also indicated that tension on the ligaments that support the bone could lead to degeneration. Excess tension causes strain and inflammation that decreases blood flow to and fro the navicular bone. Most of these blood vessels run along this region. Persistent tension causes the ligament to permanently thicken and reduce blood flow.
Restricted blood flow to and from this bone causes a buildup on the particular bone. In response to increased pressure and less blood supply, this bone absorbs mineral from its center. Tension on the other hand, causes a condition called exostoses. The ligaments attach to the bone giving it a canoe shape and they may tear in extreme cases.
The treatment offered depends on the extent to which the particular bone is affected. Thus, medication can range from conservative to aggressive. They include therapeutic shoeing, surgery and various medications. The response to treatment is not guaranteed to be positive. Therefore, it is rather advisable to start with less aggressive methods.
When using shoe treatment, the vet places a bar across the horse heel to relieve pressure that build up on heels. The hoof wall quarters may be rasped or grooves cut to relieve contraction. The feet could also be trimmed to balance the foot. Most horses with the problem have long toes and small inner wall depth. Trimming also improves the hoof structure of the horse.
The quarters of the hoof wall may be rasped and the hoof trimmed. This creates a balanced hoof as most horses develop long toes and little inner wall depth. Medication involves use of vasodilators to open veins and also to relieve pain. Nerves are severed in surgery but make the horse lose sensation at the back of a foot.
There is no single factor that is wholly responsible for the syndrome. Animal health expert have put forward theories to explain possible causes. The first theory asserts that the syndrome could be caused by compression of navicular bone by tendons and pastern bone on the rear. It is also believed to cause cartilage degeneration. Degeneration causes flattening of cartilage making it less springy and unable to handle heavy shock.
Research has shown gradual but persistent cartilage erosion along the navicular bone in horse with the syndrome. It is believed to be associated with some biochemical changes similar to osteoarthritis in humans. Persistent erosion wears off the cartilage and exposes the underneath bone. This bone constantly rubs against the tendons continually causing inflammation. Compression also makes the bone increase in density and thus becomes brittle. Brittle bones break easily.
Research has also indicated that tension on the ligaments that support the bone could lead to degeneration. Excess tension causes strain and inflammation that decreases blood flow to and fro the navicular bone. Most of these blood vessels run along this region. Persistent tension causes the ligament to permanently thicken and reduce blood flow.
Restricted blood flow to and from this bone causes a buildup on the particular bone. In response to increased pressure and less blood supply, this bone absorbs mineral from its center. Tension on the other hand, causes a condition called exostoses. The ligaments attach to the bone giving it a canoe shape and they may tear in extreme cases.
The treatment offered depends on the extent to which the particular bone is affected. Thus, medication can range from conservative to aggressive. They include therapeutic shoeing, surgery and various medications. The response to treatment is not guaranteed to be positive. Therefore, it is rather advisable to start with less aggressive methods.
When using shoe treatment, the vet places a bar across the horse heel to relieve pressure that build up on heels. The hoof wall quarters may be rasped or grooves cut to relieve contraction. The feet could also be trimmed to balance the foot. Most horses with the problem have long toes and small inner wall depth. Trimming also improves the hoof structure of the horse.
The quarters of the hoof wall may be rasped and the hoof trimmed. This creates a balanced hoof as most horses develop long toes and little inner wall depth. Medication involves use of vasodilators to open veins and also to relieve pain. Nerves are severed in surgery but make the horse lose sensation at the back of a foot.
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