Recognizing Navicular Disease In Horses
Buying a horse is a very significant purchase. Good competition animals are very expensive. Before buying a new horse it is vital to have the animal properly checked out by an experienced equine veterinarian. This will include a comprehensive lameness examination. The horse will be trotted up on a hard surface and checked for any signs of lameness.
A horse is a valuable animal, especially one that has done well in competition. Owners and trainers dread the thought of navicular disease in horses. This condition is one of the most feared in the industry as it often spells the end of the animals productive life. A horse that is showing a lot of promise as a jumper will have no future once he has been diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
A horse has a very similar anatomy to a human, in that the ankle joint has a significant number of small bones. One of these is called the navicular bone and it is prone to disintegration. No one really knows the cause of this degeneration, but once it begins there is little that can be done to stop it. It is interesting that certain breeds of horse are more prone to the condition than others. It may be because breeds with small hooves and stocky bodies put more stress on the ankle joint.
In the milder cases the horse can usually continue with light work. The age at which the animal develops his first symptoms is crucial. Typically the younger the horse, the more severe the outcome. If a three or four year old horse presents with classic symptoms, they will progress rapidly and the animal will be unfit for work. However, if the horse is ten or twelve years old the outcome is much more favorable.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
The majority of horses will show significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. The anti inflammatory drugs will help to increase the blood flow to the affected bone and this will reduce the pain. In addition, the animal can receive additional medication for pain. After the doses have been established the horse can return to light work.
Nerve blocks are the most common way of getting a correct diagnosis. After a small amount of anesthetic has been injected into the joint, the horse will then present as sound. This confirms that site of the pain.
Before buying a horse it is important to check the animals blood lines. Navicular is often transmitted from parent to offspring. If the mother or father had the condition, there is a strong possibility that the foals will eventually develop it too.
A horse is a valuable animal, especially one that has done well in competition. Owners and trainers dread the thought of navicular disease in horses. This condition is one of the most feared in the industry as it often spells the end of the animals productive life. A horse that is showing a lot of promise as a jumper will have no future once he has been diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
A horse has a very similar anatomy to a human, in that the ankle joint has a significant number of small bones. One of these is called the navicular bone and it is prone to disintegration. No one really knows the cause of this degeneration, but once it begins there is little that can be done to stop it. It is interesting that certain breeds of horse are more prone to the condition than others. It may be because breeds with small hooves and stocky bodies put more stress on the ankle joint.
In the milder cases the horse can usually continue with light work. The age at which the animal develops his first symptoms is crucial. Typically the younger the horse, the more severe the outcome. If a three or four year old horse presents with classic symptoms, they will progress rapidly and the animal will be unfit for work. However, if the horse is ten or twelve years old the outcome is much more favorable.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
The majority of horses will show significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. The anti inflammatory drugs will help to increase the blood flow to the affected bone and this will reduce the pain. In addition, the animal can receive additional medication for pain. After the doses have been established the horse can return to light work.
Nerve blocks are the most common way of getting a correct diagnosis. After a small amount of anesthetic has been injected into the joint, the horse will then present as sound. This confirms that site of the pain.
Before buying a horse it is important to check the animals blood lines. Navicular is often transmitted from parent to offspring. If the mother or father had the condition, there is a strong possibility that the foals will eventually develop it too.
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