jeudi 23 avril 2015

What You Should Know About Navicular Pain

By Alta Alexander


Recurring group of symptoms is what is referred to as syndrome. Navicular pain is also known as navicular syndrome. Horses with this condition can be treated and nursed back to their initial levels of performance. Most people believe that a horse diagnosed with this condition cannot run when in reality this is not true. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.

Identification of the cause is based on both clinical symptoms and radiographic photos. Looking for signs imply the vet focuses on all that is visible during inspection while radiographic photos involve collecting information from x-rays photos. The photos are essential as they assist in ruling out other likely causes of lameness. During examination the experts goes for unique signs such as if the animals land on their heels in place of toes.

Quarterhorses and thoroughbreds breeds are suffer most from this condition, even though other breeds also suffer from this condition. The two breeds are susceptible to navicular disorders as they are heavyweights supported by relatively tiny feet. This results in them exerting excess pressure on their forelimbs. The disorder is prevalent at 14 to 7 years, even though it can develop at any stage.

Visible symptoms present themselves in form of one forelimb being smaller than its twin. This happens because the animal puts no or less weight on that particular limb for long. Low blood flow can also account for contracted foot. While at rest a sick horse tends to alter its weight repeatedly. In doing so it eases strain, which causes pain on the frog parts. Bearing much pressure on toes cause the shoulders to have a lame appearance.

Hoof testers are used alongside other methods. This tool applies pressure over the frog region and the horse flinches due to pain if its hoof is affected. A vet compares the reaction of the animal when the tester is applied on the front and back foot. Another technique involves injection of anesthetic that relieves pain temporarily. The pain maybe raising within the navicular region if the animal walks normally after the injection if it was lame before.

There are many ways of rectifying the problem according to the degree of infection. Isoxsuprine is commonly administered under drug therapy. It expands or widens blood vessels causing better blood circulation to the troubled parts. There are higher chances of most horses responding to this treatment. Isoxsuprine functions for a particular duration after which it is administered again.

Unresponsive cases may also be handled using chemical blocking agents instead of surgery. The chemical renders the nerve in question ineffective for a period ranging from two to four months. It is injected periodically in the same place in horses that do not respond to drug therapy. It is advisable to avoid surgery as much as possible due to further complications associated with it.

In conclusion, this disorder is highly treatable but does not leave once it sets in. Navicular disease is caused by combined factors including trauma and decreased blood circulation among others. Horse owners have to do their best to protect then from developing this disorder. They should avoid overfeeding them. They ought to make sure the shoeing is correct and seek advice from professionals whenever in doubt.




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