Understanding Of Navicular Disease In Horses
Sometimes problems develop on the navicular bone and the surrounding tissues. This is a bone found on the front side of the foot. It is also behind the coffin bone and next to small pastern bone. Strong tendons are bundled in this area running up to the end of the coffin bone. They also run across the soft tissues. Cartilage separates navicular bone and the coffin bone. For further protection, there is a small fluid sac over the navicular bone to prevent cases of abrasion. The syndrome affects this area causing inflammation and bone degeneration that can cause disabling lameness in horses. It is prudent that navicular disease in horses need to be given the necessary attention.
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.
What follows is constant rubbing of the tendon against this bone surface causing inflammation. In addition, Compression causes an increase in bone density under the cartilage especially near the tendons. Increase in bone density makes the bone brittle and may actually lead to a breakage.
Study has also shown that tension on ligaments that support this particular bone could eventually cause bone degeneration. In extreme cases, there is strain on top of inflammation and decreased blood flow to as well as from this particular bone. Since most blood vessels run around this area, tension thickens the blood vessels on this areas leading to lower 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 suggested by the vet is largely dependent on extent that the navicular region has been damaged. There are a range of interventions from conservative ones to aggressive ones. These include surgery, shoeing the hoof, trimming, and various medications, oral and intravenous.
Since response to any intervention is not guaranteed to be positive, most vets start with conservative methods and try aggressive ones when they do not work. A metallic bar is placed across the heel in shoe treatment. This is meant to relieve pressure and improve blood flow in the region.
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.
What follows is constant rubbing of the tendon against this bone surface causing inflammation. In addition, Compression causes an increase in bone density under the cartilage especially near the tendons. Increase in bone density makes the bone brittle and may actually lead to a breakage.
Study has also shown that tension on ligaments that support this particular bone could eventually cause bone degeneration. In extreme cases, there is strain on top of inflammation and decreased blood flow to as well as from this particular bone. Since most blood vessels run around this area, tension thickens the blood vessels on this areas leading to lower 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 suggested by the vet is largely dependent on extent that the navicular region has been damaged. There are a range of interventions from conservative ones to aggressive ones. These include surgery, shoeing the hoof, trimming, and various medications, oral and intravenous.
Since response to any intervention is not guaranteed to be positive, most vets start with conservative methods and try aggressive ones when they do not work. A metallic bar is placed across the heel in shoe treatment. This is meant to relieve pressure and improve blood flow in the region.
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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