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 understanding what this syndrome entails, one must understand what this area consists of. This bone is located behind the coffin bone and underneath the small pastern. This navicular bone has several ligaments around it that offers it support.
There is not one agree upon cause for this syndrome. Instead, there are many different theories. Two beliefs that are commonly held related to compression and tension. With compression, the issue is the it is continual in this region causing the degeneration of cartilage. This degeneration ultimately leads to lack of much-needed spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to brittleness and major friction between the bones because there is no cartilage as a buffer.
Another potential cause for this is tension that is placed on the ligaments that are around the navicular bone. Some say that the degenerative process starts with the added tension placed on ligaments, which results in straining and inflammation. This can lead to decrease of blood flow 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.
There are certain things that can exacerbate the issues. Body weight, work, shoeing and conformation may worsen the condition. There are certain things to look out for when diagnosing this problem. Heel pain is perhaps the most common side effect. Lameness is also common and may start as a mild problem and develop to something more serious, even disabling. This might be due to the strain and inflammation on ligaments that are used to support the bone, increased pressure, or reduced blood flow. Navicular bursa and DDF tendon damage, as well as cartilage erosion, might also develop.
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.
Trimming, hoof care, surgery, medication and exercise are often used for treating this condition. Usually more than one method is applied at once. Every case will be different. It is important to work with animal professionals when deciding on a plan for care. Some of the changes brought on by this may not be reversible. Still, it is important to try to best manage the condition and offer the animal some pain relief while also slowing down the progression of the syndrome.
In understanding what this syndrome entails, one must understand what this area consists of. This bone is located behind the coffin bone and underneath the small pastern. This navicular bone has several ligaments around it that offers it support.
There is not one agree upon cause for this syndrome. Instead, there are many different theories. Two beliefs that are commonly held related to compression and tension. With compression, the issue is the it is continual in this region causing the degeneration of cartilage. This degeneration ultimately leads to lack of much-needed spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to brittleness and major friction between the bones because there is no cartilage as a buffer.
Another potential cause for this is tension that is placed on the ligaments that are around the navicular bone. Some say that the degenerative process starts with the added tension placed on ligaments, which results in straining and inflammation. This can lead to decrease of blood flow 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.
There are certain things that can exacerbate the issues. Body weight, work, shoeing and conformation may worsen the condition. There are certain things to look out for when diagnosing this problem. Heel pain is perhaps the most common side effect. Lameness is also common and may start as a mild problem and develop to something more serious, even disabling. This might be due to the strain and inflammation on ligaments that are used to support the bone, increased pressure, or reduced blood flow. Navicular bursa and DDF tendon damage, as well as cartilage erosion, might also develop.
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.
Trimming, hoof care, surgery, medication and exercise are often used for treating this condition. Usually more than one method is applied at once. Every case will be different. It is important to work with animal professionals when deciding on a plan for care. Some of the changes brought on by this may not be reversible. Still, it is important to try to best manage the condition and offer the animal some pain relief while also slowing down the progression of the syndrome.
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