Understanding Navicular Syndrome In Horses

By Lena Stephenson


Caudal heel pain syndrome is a degenerative disease affecting the structure of hoof in horses. Navicular syndrome is mostly linked to the navicular bone, or distal sesamoid bone. Distal sesamoid bones are small and are set deep within the hooves. They are precisely at the back junctions of the coffin and short pasterns bones.

The disease is characterized with a lot of pain due to changes in the position of bursa, ligaments, tendons and bones. Partial lameness, which worsens with time, is observed among animals suffering from the disorder. The pain is experienced in the fore feet making the horse want to reduce strain placed on them as much as they can. While resting, the most painful hoof is normally held ahead of the other.

Additional signs include the animal getting it hard to negotiate sharp corners. It also becomes almost impossible for the animal to walk on hard ground likewise being unable to descend downhill. The condition causes the horse to be uncooperative when being trimmed or shoed since this involves rising up one fore hoof while shifting pressure on the other leg supporting the horse. Once, pressure shifts on one foot the animal feel pain, thus the resistance.

There is no assurance that horses of certain breed do not suffer from the problem. Though, the condition affects mostly stock type horses like appaloosas, quarter, and paints horses. Thoroughbreds and warmblood horses are highly affected by this disorder. On contrary, Arabian horses are hardly affected. The body weight may lead to caudal heel pain syndrome as overweight horses place excess pressure on the musculoskeletal systems.

The pain increases with work and decreases with more resting time. Affected horses should be treated once the disorder is ascertained by a qualified veterinary. Treatment may be inform of alterations in schedule or operation. Trimming the toes and shoeing with square shaped shoes may go a long way in helping the horse.by doing so the strain placed on the hoof is greatly reduced.

Medical therapy includes administering anti-inflammatory medicines like phenylbutazone. Vasodilator drugs like isoxsuprine, pentoxifyline, and metrenperone are applied to improve flow of blood to the affected parts. Administering certain drugs is not allowed if the horse is taking part in some competitions. For this cause, it is better to consult with a qualified veterinary prior to administering any medication.

Surgical method to navicular condition entails neurectomy. Neurectomy is simply transection of digital nerve found in the lower pastern part and inhibiting its growth the longest time possible. The surgery has two methods by which it can be achieved. The first method includes cutting the nerve using a blade or operating using sophisticated surgery laser. Each technique is applied when considered necessary and also to reduce chances of complications.

Neurectomy is not cure rather it is a technique that removes the pain when every method has failed. It is not a long-lasting solution as it might have to be repeated at some time. Compilations can arise from this technique though this is rear. Neuroma is the commonest complication.it is a painful tumor, which grows at the tip of transected nerve.




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