Horse owners know how important it is to keep a very close eye on their animals. Each horse should be watched closely at all times to check for signs of lameness or injury. A good owner or trainer will be able to spot a problem very quickly. It is often just a very subtle difference in the way the animal moves that tips the owner off to a potential issue.
Keeping their horse in the very best of health is a number one priority for every owner. Navicular disease in horses is one of the most feared conditions as it often leads to permanent lameness that renders the horse useless. Unfortunately the condition is surprisingly common and affects many thousands of animals every year.
Anatomically the horses fetlock joint is very similar to the human ankle. There are a number of small bones that are prone to damage and degeneration. For a horse the disintegration of the navicular bone is particularly devastating. Damage can be seen on x rays and also by the use of simple nerve blocks. In most cases getting a diagnosis is fairly routine, but in a few cases the horse will present with a completely different set of symptoms.
Occasionally a horse will have a very odd set of symptoms that can really confuse even the most experienced veterinarian. It has been known for an animal to show no signs of front end lameness, instead looking like it has a serious back problem. However on close examination no signs of an actual back issue can be found. In these cases the horse is trying very hard to disguise its lameness by taking all the weight off its front feet.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
Horses who are in pain are often cranky. If a typically happy and laid back horse suddenly becomes miserable or even aggressive it is important to look for a physical cause. A good equine veterinarian should be called in to give the horse a thorough examination and check for any signs of pain or tenderness. The vet will also want to talk with the owner, rider and stable help to get a comprehensive picture of the animals everyday life and any changes that have occurred.
Those horses that do not respond to treatment may need to be retired from all work. In some severe cases surgery may be the only practical answer. However, before going ahead the owners must understand that the success rate is limited and the recovery time is quite substantial.
A number of effective medications are available to treat the symptoms of navicular disease. However, it is important for owners to understand that there is no cure for this condition. It is merely a case of managing the symptoms and keeping the horse comfortable.
Keeping their horse in the very best of health is a number one priority for every owner. Navicular disease in horses is one of the most feared conditions as it often leads to permanent lameness that renders the horse useless. Unfortunately the condition is surprisingly common and affects many thousands of animals every year.
Anatomically the horses fetlock joint is very similar to the human ankle. There are a number of small bones that are prone to damage and degeneration. For a horse the disintegration of the navicular bone is particularly devastating. Damage can be seen on x rays and also by the use of simple nerve blocks. In most cases getting a diagnosis is fairly routine, but in a few cases the horse will present with a completely different set of symptoms.
Occasionally a horse will have a very odd set of symptoms that can really confuse even the most experienced veterinarian. It has been known for an animal to show no signs of front end lameness, instead looking like it has a serious back problem. However on close examination no signs of an actual back issue can be found. In these cases the horse is trying very hard to disguise its lameness by taking all the weight off its front feet.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
Horses who are in pain are often cranky. If a typically happy and laid back horse suddenly becomes miserable or even aggressive it is important to look for a physical cause. A good equine veterinarian should be called in to give the horse a thorough examination and check for any signs of pain or tenderness. The vet will also want to talk with the owner, rider and stable help to get a comprehensive picture of the animals everyday life and any changes that have occurred.
Those horses that do not respond to treatment may need to be retired from all work. In some severe cases surgery may be the only practical answer. However, before going ahead the owners must understand that the success rate is limited and the recovery time is quite substantial.
A number of effective medications are available to treat the symptoms of navicular disease. However, it is important for owners to understand that there is no cure for this condition. It is merely a case of managing the symptoms and keeping the horse comfortable.
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