Basics On Navicular Syndrome In Horses
People who work closely with, or own, horses know the health problems they can develop over time. Navicular disease or syndrome is an example of these ailments. This is used to define a condition of soundness problems in the animal. It may involve degeneration or inflammation of the navicular bone and nearby tissues. Navicular syndrome in horses can lead to other major health conditions, including the problem of disabling lameness.
To understand what this syndrome involves, one needs to know what this region consists of. The bone is located behind the coffin bone and under the bone known as small pastern. The navicular bone has multiple ligaments near it that offer it extra support.
There is no one cause linked to the occurrence of this syndrome but there are many different theories that exist. Two of the most common beliefs related to compression and tension. Continual compression in this area can create degeneration of cartilage, which eventually leads to reduction in spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to more brittleness and added friction between bones because of the lack of cartilage.
This problem might also be the result of tension. If there is too much of this in the nearby ligaments, degeneration is believed to start. This extra tension produces straining and inflammation. As a result, there is a decrease flow of blood to and from the bone.
When blood flow is obstructed in this way, it could lead to a build up in pressure inside the bone. If there is the added pressure and lack of blood supply, the bone might begin to absorb mineral from its center. Another issues related to added tension is exostoses, which is when the ligaments begin to attach to the bone. If tension gets too excessive, ligaments might even tear.
There are certain things that can exacerbate the issues. Body weight, work, shoeing and conformation may worsen the condition. There are certain things to look out for when diagnosing this problem. Heel pain is perhaps the most common side effect. Lameness is also common and may start as a mild problem and develop to something more serious, even disabling. This might be due to the strain and inflammation on ligaments that are used to support the bone, increased pressure, or reduced blood flow. Navicular bursa and DDF tendon damage, as well as cartilage erosion, might also develop.
Horses suffering with this are known to have a tiptoe gait. That is, they attempt to use their toes for walking to avoid heel pain. One may also note that they stumble frequently. Lameness might present itself, switching between legs and being otherwise inconsistent. If the problem goes on without treatment, the feet of the horse might take on a new, narrow and upright shape.
Medication, trimming, hoof care, exercise and surgery are potential options for care. Usually more than one of these solutions is used. Every case is different and so it is essential that animals be in the care of knowledgeable animal doctors. Some changes that are caused by this condition may be irreversible. Still, it should be a priority to give the animal relief from pain and halt the progression of the syndrome.
To understand what this syndrome involves, one needs to know what this region consists of. The bone is located behind the coffin bone and under the bone known as small pastern. The navicular bone has multiple ligaments near it that offer it extra support.
There is no one cause linked to the occurrence of this syndrome but there are many different theories that exist. Two of the most common beliefs related to compression and tension. Continual compression in this area can create degeneration of cartilage, which eventually leads to reduction in spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to more brittleness and added friction between bones because of the lack of cartilage.
This problem might also be the result of tension. If there is too much of this in the nearby ligaments, degeneration is believed to start. This extra tension produces straining and inflammation. As a result, there is a decrease flow of blood to and from the bone.
When blood flow is obstructed in this way, it could lead to a build up in pressure inside the bone. If there is the added pressure and lack of blood supply, the bone might begin to absorb mineral from its center. Another issues related to added tension is exostoses, which is when the ligaments begin to attach to the bone. If tension gets too excessive, ligaments might even tear.
There are certain things that can exacerbate the issues. Body weight, work, shoeing and conformation may worsen the condition. There are certain things to look out for when diagnosing this problem. Heel pain is perhaps the most common side effect. Lameness is also common and may start as a mild problem and develop to something more serious, even disabling. This might be due to the strain and inflammation on ligaments that are used to support the bone, increased pressure, or reduced blood flow. Navicular bursa and DDF tendon damage, as well as cartilage erosion, might also develop.
Horses suffering with this are known to have a tiptoe gait. That is, they attempt to use their toes for walking to avoid heel pain. One may also note that they stumble frequently. Lameness might present itself, switching between legs and being otherwise inconsistent. If the problem goes on without treatment, the feet of the horse might take on a new, narrow and upright shape.
Medication, trimming, hoof care, exercise and surgery are potential options for care. Usually more than one of these solutions is used. Every case is different and so it is essential that animals be in the care of knowledgeable animal doctors. Some changes that are caused by this condition may be irreversible. Still, it should be a priority to give the animal relief from pain and halt the progression of the syndrome.
About the Author:
You can visit www.naviculardisease.com for more helpful information about General Info Regarding Navicular Syndrome In Horses.
Comments
Post a Comment