Horse owners rightly fear the problem of founder in their animals. One cause of navicular disease, foundering usually affects the front feet of a horse, resulting in lameness which can be permanent. There are other causes of navicular problems which are still being researched by equine health experts.
'Founder' is an inflammation of the digestive tract stemming from too much rich feed. An animal allowed unlimited access to lush grass can founder, as can one which gets into the feed room and eats a large amount of grain. In these cases, the reaction may be swift, with the horse showing discomfort within hours.
Severely overweight horses are more susceptible to founder. An animal which is foundering is reluctant to move and may stand with front feet stretched out, shifting weight from foot to foot. Being too heavy also puts undue strain on the front feet, which support up to seventy-five percent of the horse's weight.
Ponies are more likely to founder on grass than horses, but all of the species is at risk. Owners must keep their animals at a proper weight, since putting a horse on a diet is difficult and can cause anemia. Exercise is important to keep weight down and to increase circulation to the feet.
Horses also may develop navicular problems from working on hard ground, jumping more than their feet can stand, or being poorly shod. Warmbloods make talented sport horses, being athletic enough for show jumping and eventing and sensible enough to handle the stress of competition. However, many people have found it hard to keep these heavy horses sound season after season.
Other causes that veterinarians and researchers think contribute to this kind of lameness include standing in a stall. Horses developed running free, and they need exercise to keep blood circulating properly to the feet. However, many race horses and show horses are kept confined for practical reasons, like not risking them in fields where they might be injured or not having the facilities to turn them out.
Maintaining the natural shape and balance of the foot is important. Improper trimming and shoeing can cause navicular problems. If toes are too long and heels sloped too far under the foot, strained tendons can pull bones in the foot out of position. This can cause arthritic degeneration inside the foot. Heels should be allowed to spread in a natural way; rigid shoes and contracted heels are thought to contribute to navicular.
Limiting access to rich grass is always wise, especially in spring when the grass is lushest. Feed rooms should be securely locked. Exercise should be regular, not overly strenuous, and on ground that is not too hard. Regular trimming and shoeing (if necessary) by a skilled farrier is important; owners should know enough to be able to judge the quality of the work.
'Founder' is an inflammation of the digestive tract stemming from too much rich feed. An animal allowed unlimited access to lush grass can founder, as can one which gets into the feed room and eats a large amount of grain. In these cases, the reaction may be swift, with the horse showing discomfort within hours.
Severely overweight horses are more susceptible to founder. An animal which is foundering is reluctant to move and may stand with front feet stretched out, shifting weight from foot to foot. Being too heavy also puts undue strain on the front feet, which support up to seventy-five percent of the horse's weight.
Ponies are more likely to founder on grass than horses, but all of the species is at risk. Owners must keep their animals at a proper weight, since putting a horse on a diet is difficult and can cause anemia. Exercise is important to keep weight down and to increase circulation to the feet.
Horses also may develop navicular problems from working on hard ground, jumping more than their feet can stand, or being poorly shod. Warmbloods make talented sport horses, being athletic enough for show jumping and eventing and sensible enough to handle the stress of competition. However, many people have found it hard to keep these heavy horses sound season after season.
Other causes that veterinarians and researchers think contribute to this kind of lameness include standing in a stall. Horses developed running free, and they need exercise to keep blood circulating properly to the feet. However, many race horses and show horses are kept confined for practical reasons, like not risking them in fields where they might be injured or not having the facilities to turn them out.
Maintaining the natural shape and balance of the foot is important. Improper trimming and shoeing can cause navicular problems. If toes are too long and heels sloped too far under the foot, strained tendons can pull bones in the foot out of position. This can cause arthritic degeneration inside the foot. Heels should be allowed to spread in a natural way; rigid shoes and contracted heels are thought to contribute to navicular.
Limiting access to rich grass is always wise, especially in spring when the grass is lushest. Feed rooms should be securely locked. Exercise should be regular, not overly strenuous, and on ground that is not too hard. Regular trimming and shoeing (if necessary) by a skilled farrier is important; owners should know enough to be able to judge the quality of the work.
Posts
Registration of your site
0 commentaires:
Post a Comment