The Condition Of The Navicular Disease

By Janine Hughes


It is also known as the navicular syndrome and it is an illness that mainly affects horses. It is the inflammation of the navicular bone on the front feet of a horse and its surrounding tissues. In extreme cases it can lead to disability or lameness of the animal. It is therefore very necessary to treat navicular disease as soon as the symptoms start showing.

The two factors that largely contribute to the development of this disease is tension and compression of the bone and its surrounding structures. Compression causes the cartilage to perform functions poorly. It causes degradation that leads to the exposure of the bone beneath it. The exposed bone becomes more prone to other external forces. This whole process causes a lot of pain to the animal.

Tension experienced by the ligaments at the navicular bone is the second contributing factor. The strain of the ligaments leads to reduced blood flow. There is also high blood pressure experienced inside the bone. This causes some of the vital minerals to be adsorbed from the center of the bone. The bone becomes weak and prone to changes in shape.

Since the horse is subjected to a lot of pain, it is easy to notice the symptoms. The horse would try to walk on its toes due to the pain it is experiencing at the heel. The horse will stumble most of the times. The affected foot will appear to be sore and after several months it may change shape. It will appear more upright and narrowed.

Since the condition is a result of some processes it cannot be said to have a specific cause. This has made it very hard to have a particular treatment. The disease can only be managed or controlled by trying to relief the pain at the hoof. It is unfortunate that the changes that occur cannot be reversed by any type of medication.

Trimming is a great foot care that improves the foot form. Most of the horses that have long toes and underrun heels are mainly affected by the syndrome. Trimming will help in improving the biomechanical and the neurological balance of the foot. It will also expose the foot to proper stimulus that will improve the form of the hoof.

Shoeing is also an important hoof care. It helps in supporting the heel and assist in heel related problems. It increases the circulation of blood at the heel and promote a proper foot shape. There are a variety of shoe types that one can choose from. Each type will have its own added advantages.

Exercise, as seen in all other conditions and diseases, is very important for the wellbeing of the body. Exercise for the horse should not include vigorous activities such as high seed running or the activities that would cause strain. Going uphill or on rocky surfaces and jumping of the horse is highly discouraged. One should take them for slow long walks on fairly flat land. Swimming is also something one can engage in since it exercises most of the muscles.

Is is very important to consult the person who treats your horses if you notice the symptoms. He or she should be in a position to give some expert advice depending on the condition of your animal




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