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.
In order to understand what this syndrome involves, one must first know what the navicular region includes. This bone is positioned posterior to the coffin bone and also underneath the small pastern. The navicular is surrounded by several ligaments that provide it with support.
No single cause has been associated with this syndrome, although there are plenty of theories about what contributes to it. Two commonly held beliefs for the cause: tension and compression. Compression theories suggest that the continual compression in this region can lead to degeneration of fundamental cartilage. This eventually leads to a great reduction in the amount of shock absorbency and spring in the feet. It could also cause brittleness and lead to major friction between bones because of absence 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.
If the blood flow is held back, pressure may build inside the bone. When there is this extra pressure and no blood, this bone may begin to absorb mineral in its center, which is cause for concern. Another issues associated with tension is the problem of exostoses, or the ligaments attaching to this bone. Sometimes the tension becomes so much that the ligaments start to tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
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.
Hoof care, medication, surgery, exercise and trimming can be useful in managing this condition. Typically multiple solutions are employed. Every situation is different and so it is important that horses be put in the care of animal professionals. Some changes that are brought about by the progression of this syndrome cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, it is a top priority for most to get he animal medical attention to relieve pain and slow the progression of this condition.
In order to understand what this syndrome involves, one must first know what the navicular region includes. This bone is positioned posterior to the coffin bone and also underneath the small pastern. The navicular is surrounded by several ligaments that provide it with support.
No single cause has been associated with this syndrome, although there are plenty of theories about what contributes to it. Two commonly held beliefs for the cause: tension and compression. Compression theories suggest that the continual compression in this region can lead to degeneration of fundamental cartilage. This eventually leads to a great reduction in the amount of shock absorbency and spring in the feet. It could also cause brittleness and lead to major friction between bones because of absence 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.
If the blood flow is held back, pressure may build inside the bone. When there is this extra pressure and no blood, this bone may begin to absorb mineral in its center, which is cause for concern. Another issues associated with tension is the problem of exostoses, or the ligaments attaching to this bone. Sometimes the tension becomes so much that the ligaments start to tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
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.
Hoof care, medication, surgery, exercise and trimming can be useful in managing this condition. Typically multiple solutions are employed. Every situation is different and so it is important that horses be put in the care of animal professionals. Some changes that are brought about by the progression of this syndrome cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, it is a top priority for most to get he animal medical attention to relieve pain and slow the progression of this condition.
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