Every day people see horses that move with a limp. In some cases, the limp may be a result of a simple injury, but in some, it may be an indicator of a more serious underlying problem. In the latter case, immediate intervention is needed. Navicular syndrome in horses refers to a group of related conditions or diseases that are usually very serious and disabling.
The condition does not occur beyond navicular bones and tissues and structures that surround them. If treatment is not sought for too long, permanent lameness results. Most cases of permanent lameness today are as a result of this condition. Chances of stopping permanent lameness from occurring in the long-run are still limited even if the problem is discovered in good time and treatment started. In simple words, the disorder is just severe.
The causes of navicular syndrome are many and it is sometimes hard to tell which cause is responsible in a certain case. A lot of research studies have concluded that the exact cause of the disease is not known. However, in some countries, it has been associated with heredity. As such, some countries have prohibited the use of stallions with the disorder for breeding purposes. Such countries have experienced a reduction in cases.
Reduction in blood flow and trauma to the bone are some of the main causes. Blood flow can be reduced due to interference while trauma can result from any cause. The end result is permanent damage caused to ligaments, bursa, and surrounding structures. Lameness that results can be irrecoverable. Animals that are younger than five years are not affected by the problem. The likelihood of occurrence of the problem increased beyond the age of five years.
Symptoms present themselves in different ways and can be hard to notice during the first phases. The condition is more common in front feet and symptoms include low grade lameness. At this stage, the animal may show a slight limp in both feet. The condition becomes worse over time if not taken care of. Symptoms are also characteristically intermittent, and may only show when the animal is exercising on hard grounds or moving in small circles.
In certain cases, one foot gets more affected. An obvious limp can then be noticed during movement. As a result of too much pain, the animal stands putting the affected leg in front. Also, as a measure of easing pain, the horse avoids placing too much weight on the heels by standing on toes. It is at this stage that recovery steps should be taken in order to boost chances of making full recovery.
Many methods exist for diagnosing the problem. The first step to successful diagnosis involves maintaining a history of all symptoms observed. Veterinarians provide diagnosis basing on such histories. The existence of the condition is then confirmed through radiography.
The problem is also diagnosable through MRI scans. Damages in the bone are revealed by both methods. However, there may be differences among veterinarians on the interpretation of scans and pictures from diagnosis methods. This is usually caused by difference in views held by different practitioners about how normal bones look like.
The condition does not occur beyond navicular bones and tissues and structures that surround them. If treatment is not sought for too long, permanent lameness results. Most cases of permanent lameness today are as a result of this condition. Chances of stopping permanent lameness from occurring in the long-run are still limited even if the problem is discovered in good time and treatment started. In simple words, the disorder is just severe.
The causes of navicular syndrome are many and it is sometimes hard to tell which cause is responsible in a certain case. A lot of research studies have concluded that the exact cause of the disease is not known. However, in some countries, it has been associated with heredity. As such, some countries have prohibited the use of stallions with the disorder for breeding purposes. Such countries have experienced a reduction in cases.
Reduction in blood flow and trauma to the bone are some of the main causes. Blood flow can be reduced due to interference while trauma can result from any cause. The end result is permanent damage caused to ligaments, bursa, and surrounding structures. Lameness that results can be irrecoverable. Animals that are younger than five years are not affected by the problem. The likelihood of occurrence of the problem increased beyond the age of five years.
Symptoms present themselves in different ways and can be hard to notice during the first phases. The condition is more common in front feet and symptoms include low grade lameness. At this stage, the animal may show a slight limp in both feet. The condition becomes worse over time if not taken care of. Symptoms are also characteristically intermittent, and may only show when the animal is exercising on hard grounds or moving in small circles.
In certain cases, one foot gets more affected. An obvious limp can then be noticed during movement. As a result of too much pain, the animal stands putting the affected leg in front. Also, as a measure of easing pain, the horse avoids placing too much weight on the heels by standing on toes. It is at this stage that recovery steps should be taken in order to boost chances of making full recovery.
Many methods exist for diagnosing the problem. The first step to successful diagnosis involves maintaining a history of all symptoms observed. Veterinarians provide diagnosis basing on such histories. The existence of the condition is then confirmed through radiography.
The problem is also diagnosable through MRI scans. Damages in the bone are revealed by both methods. However, there may be differences among veterinarians on the interpretation of scans and pictures from diagnosis methods. This is usually caused by difference in views held by different practitioners about how normal bones look like.
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