The term navicular refers to a progressive degenerative condition in horses that involves navicular bone. This bone is located behind the coffin bone in the hoof. It also affects flexor tendons and bursa. According to researchers, this condition cannot be termed as a disease. Rather, it is a syndrome of one or several abnormalities. These abnormalities occur in one or both front feet of horses. Here are facts regarding Navicular disease in horses.
Previously, it was difficult to get the exact location of the navicular bone in horses. As a result, it was necessary to learn more concerning the disorder. Nevertheless, advancements in technology have made it easier to pinpoint the precise spot where the bone is located. Changes that cause the condition to develop are now easy to identify due to the existence of better technology.
The use of MRI scanning makes it possible to study the anatomy of the feet much better. It is now well understood that there are several medical conditions that can affect different anatomical parts of a horse. Whereas some of these medical conditions can be treated completely, some remain difficult to treat. Also, certain breeds of horses have been known to be at a higher probability of experiencing the condition.
Age is one of the major reasons that lead to the development of this condition in animals. The condition is also known to get worse as the animal continues to age over time. Since horses live much longer today, the condition can become really worse. That is why it is important to diagnose the condition early enough and know what treatment options one has.
As earlier stated, the condition can be caused by various problems. The problems include inflammation, problems with the flexor tendon and injuries to the ligaments supporting the lower feet. The condition affects the animals used in performance sports most. Thus, it is the main factor causing lameness in horses.
Among horse breeds known to contract this problem most are quarter horses, thoroughbreds, and warmbloods. The age bracket in which horses have high changes of developing the condition ranges from 7-14 years. Additional factors that predispoe horses to the ailment include underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, sheared heels broken backward/forward hoof axis and underrun heels.
The degree to which the condition occurs in both front feet varies. In most cases, one foot will be affected more than in the other. This causes lameness in one foot, which is faster to notice. The easiest way to notice lameness is one foot is when the horse is negotiating tight corners. Affected animals tend to swap legs as they negotiate tight circles.
Usually, the pain is perceived in the area around the heel. Normally, this causes horses to set down in the toe to heal and not the usual heel to toe way. This is normally done by the animal so as to avoid pain linked to usual landing. This slight signs may not be easily noticeable, more so for starters. Hence in the attempt to ease the condition, the horse should be taped on video and played in slow motion. This makes it easy to identify signs.
Previously, it was difficult to get the exact location of the navicular bone in horses. As a result, it was necessary to learn more concerning the disorder. Nevertheless, advancements in technology have made it easier to pinpoint the precise spot where the bone is located. Changes that cause the condition to develop are now easy to identify due to the existence of better technology.
The use of MRI scanning makes it possible to study the anatomy of the feet much better. It is now well understood that there are several medical conditions that can affect different anatomical parts of a horse. Whereas some of these medical conditions can be treated completely, some remain difficult to treat. Also, certain breeds of horses have been known to be at a higher probability of experiencing the condition.
Age is one of the major reasons that lead to the development of this condition in animals. The condition is also known to get worse as the animal continues to age over time. Since horses live much longer today, the condition can become really worse. That is why it is important to diagnose the condition early enough and know what treatment options one has.
As earlier stated, the condition can be caused by various problems. The problems include inflammation, problems with the flexor tendon and injuries to the ligaments supporting the lower feet. The condition affects the animals used in performance sports most. Thus, it is the main factor causing lameness in horses.
Among horse breeds known to contract this problem most are quarter horses, thoroughbreds, and warmbloods. The age bracket in which horses have high changes of developing the condition ranges from 7-14 years. Additional factors that predispoe horses to the ailment include underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, sheared heels broken backward/forward hoof axis and underrun heels.
The degree to which the condition occurs in both front feet varies. In most cases, one foot will be affected more than in the other. This causes lameness in one foot, which is faster to notice. The easiest way to notice lameness is one foot is when the horse is negotiating tight corners. Affected animals tend to swap legs as they negotiate tight circles.
Usually, the pain is perceived in the area around the heel. Normally, this causes horses to set down in the toe to heal and not the usual heel to toe way. This is normally done by the animal so as to avoid pain linked to usual landing. This slight signs may not be easily noticeable, more so for starters. Hence in the attempt to ease the condition, the horse should be taped on video and played in slow motion. This makes it easy to identify signs.
About the Author:
Learn all about the treatment for navicular disease in horses by reading the blog posts online. All the info is right here at http://www.naviculardisease.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment