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.
Research has shown gradual but persistent cartilage erosion along the navicular bone in horse with the syndrome. It is believed to be associated with some biochemical changes similar to osteoarthritis in humans. Persistent erosion wears off the cartilage and exposes the underneath bone. This bone constantly rubs against the tendons continually causing inflammation. Compression also makes the bone increase in density and thus becomes brittle. Brittle bones break easily.
Research has also indicated that tension on the ligaments that support the bone could lead to degeneration. Excess tension causes strain and inflammation that decreases blood flow to and fro the navicular bone. Most of these blood vessels run along this region. Persistent tension causes the ligament to permanently thicken and reduce 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 offered depends on the extent to which the particular bone is affected. Thus, medication can range from conservative to aggressive. They include therapeutic shoeing, surgery and various medications. The response to treatment is not guaranteed to be positive. Therefore, it is rather advisable to start with less aggressive methods.
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.
Research has shown gradual but persistent cartilage erosion along the navicular bone in horse with the syndrome. It is believed to be associated with some biochemical changes similar to osteoarthritis in humans. Persistent erosion wears off the cartilage and exposes the underneath bone. This bone constantly rubs against the tendons continually causing inflammation. Compression also makes the bone increase in density and thus becomes brittle. Brittle bones break easily.
Research has also indicated that tension on the ligaments that support the bone could lead to degeneration. Excess tension causes strain and inflammation that decreases blood flow to and fro the navicular bone. Most of these blood vessels run along this region. Persistent tension causes the ligament to permanently thicken and reduce 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 offered depends on the extent to which the particular bone is affected. Thus, medication can range from conservative to aggressive. They include therapeutic shoeing, surgery and various medications. The response to treatment is not guaranteed to be positive. Therefore, it is rather advisable to start with less aggressive methods.
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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