The term navicular refers to a progressive degenerative condition in horses that involves navicular bone. This bone is located behind the coffin bone in the hoof. It also affects flexor tendons and bursa. According to researchers, this condition cannot be termed as a disease. Rather, it is a syndrome of one or several abnormalities. These abnormalities occur in one or both front feet of horses. Here are facts regarding Navicular disease in horses.
Some time back, it was hard to locate exactly where the navicular bone was located in the feet of horses. That made it hard to learn more about the condition. However, as technology continued to develop, it became easier to locate with a high precision the exact location of the bone. Changes that lead to the development of the condition are also easily identifiable with the use of better technology.
It has been possible to learn the anatomy of the feet better with the use of MRI scanning. It is now clearly known that there exist several medical conditions which can affect the anatomy of the horse. Even though some of the medical issues can be treated, some cannot be treated. Various breeds are known to be prone to experiencing the condition more.
Age is one of the major reasons that lead to the development of this condition in animals. The condition is also known to get worse as the animal continues to age over time. Since horses live much longer today, the condition can become really worse. That is why it is important to diagnose the condition early enough and know what treatment options one has.
As earlier stated, a number of issues may cause the condition. Among these are injury of the ligaments supporting lower feet, problems of surface or flexor tendons, and inflammation. These issues are more prevalent in horses utilized for sports performance. Thus, performance sports is one major cause of the condition.
Some of the horse breeds which are well known for developing the condition more often are thoroughbreds, warmbloods, and quarter horses. The problem develops in horses normally while they are within the age range of between 7 and 14 years. Other factors which expose horses to the condition are underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, broken forward/backward hoof axis and contracted heels.
The degree to which the condition occurs in both front feet varies. In most cases, one foot will be affected more than in the other. This causes lameness in one foot, which is faster to notice. The easiest way to notice lameness is one foot is when the horse is negotiating tight corners. Affected animals tend to swap legs as they negotiate tight circles.
The pain usually occurs in the heel area. That usually causes animals to land in a toe-to-heel fashion as opposed to the normal heel-to-toe fashion. The animal does this in order to avoid pain that is associated with normal landing. This subtle signs may be hard to notice, especially for beginners. As such, to help make the process easier, one should record the horse on video and play it in slow-motion so as to catch the signs.
Some time back, it was hard to locate exactly where the navicular bone was located in the feet of horses. That made it hard to learn more about the condition. However, as technology continued to develop, it became easier to locate with a high precision the exact location of the bone. Changes that lead to the development of the condition are also easily identifiable with the use of better technology.
It has been possible to learn the anatomy of the feet better with the use of MRI scanning. It is now clearly known that there exist several medical conditions which can affect the anatomy of the horse. Even though some of the medical issues can be treated, some cannot be treated. Various breeds are known to be prone to experiencing the condition more.
Age is one of the major reasons that lead to the development of this condition in animals. The condition is also known to get worse as the animal continues to age over time. Since horses live much longer today, the condition can become really worse. That is why it is important to diagnose the condition early enough and know what treatment options one has.
As earlier stated, a number of issues may cause the condition. Among these are injury of the ligaments supporting lower feet, problems of surface or flexor tendons, and inflammation. These issues are more prevalent in horses utilized for sports performance. Thus, performance sports is one major cause of the condition.
Some of the horse breeds which are well known for developing the condition more often are thoroughbreds, warmbloods, and quarter horses. The problem develops in horses normally while they are within the age range of between 7 and 14 years. Other factors which expose horses to the condition are underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, broken forward/backward hoof axis and contracted heels.
The degree to which the condition occurs in both front feet varies. In most cases, one foot will be affected more than in the other. This causes lameness in one foot, which is faster to notice. The easiest way to notice lameness is one foot is when the horse is negotiating tight corners. Affected animals tend to swap legs as they negotiate tight circles.
The pain usually occurs in the heel area. That usually causes animals to land in a toe-to-heel fashion as opposed to the normal heel-to-toe fashion. The animal does this in order to avoid pain that is associated with normal landing. This subtle signs may be hard to notice, especially for beginners. As such, to help make the process easier, one should record the horse on video and play it in slow-motion so as to catch the signs.
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