Navicular disease is a chronic condition that affects particularly those that take part in races. The cause of this problem remains obscure but the common denominator in all cases is destruction of navicular bones and other tarsal bones. The condition significantly reduces the competitiveness of the horse and is associated with considerable pain. We will look at some facts on navicular disease in horses in this article.
The onset of this disease is insidious. Affected horse will be noted to have intermittent lameness in the initial stages. Frequently both the anterior and posterior limbs are affected at the same time. This makes it difficult to make the diagnosis as the two cancel each other out. One of the ways that you can use to assess the problem is to take the horse for a lunge and ensure that it moves in circles in different directions. You will see a limp on the affected limbs.
There are several factors that have been established to predispose to the condition. Conformational abnormalities relating to the hoofs are one of the commonest problems. Those at the greatest risk are narrow, upright, small or have long toes. With such abnormalities, the distribution of weight through the feet is uneven. Some of the tarsal bones such as the navicular bone are progressively damaged leading to lameness.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Improper fitting shoes are a known cause of damage to feet. This has been affirmed by the fact that the incidence of this problem is higher in domesticated horses compared to those living freely in the wild. Metallic shoes do not allow for expansion of the toes during movement. This impairs the flow of blood into the tarsal ligaments and bones. Barefoot trimming and proper shoe section can help reduce this problem.
There are several treatments that can be considered. These are broadly classified into conservative and surgical options. One of the conservative options that are used is NSAID administration. These group of drugs reduce the pain considerably when used but may lead to undesired side effects. Kidney and gastrointestinal system injury are well documented side effects. They can be minimized by interrupting the treatment intermittently.
Steroids should be considered if NSAIDs fail to relieve the pain. The steroids are usually injected into the navicular bursa directly bringing the drug very close to the affected structures. There is reported improvement in up to 80% of affected horses after 4 months of drug administration. The main worry with this mode of administration is an increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are several types of surgeries that can be performed. It should be emphasized that surgery merely provides relief but not cure. Surgery may also improve competitiveness. Palmer digital neurectomy is the commonest type of surgery that is performed.
The onset of this disease is insidious. Affected horse will be noted to have intermittent lameness in the initial stages. Frequently both the anterior and posterior limbs are affected at the same time. This makes it difficult to make the diagnosis as the two cancel each other out. One of the ways that you can use to assess the problem is to take the horse for a lunge and ensure that it moves in circles in different directions. You will see a limp on the affected limbs.
There are several factors that have been established to predispose to the condition. Conformational abnormalities relating to the hoofs are one of the commonest problems. Those at the greatest risk are narrow, upright, small or have long toes. With such abnormalities, the distribution of weight through the feet is uneven. Some of the tarsal bones such as the navicular bone are progressively damaged leading to lameness.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Improper fitting shoes are a known cause of damage to feet. This has been affirmed by the fact that the incidence of this problem is higher in domesticated horses compared to those living freely in the wild. Metallic shoes do not allow for expansion of the toes during movement. This impairs the flow of blood into the tarsal ligaments and bones. Barefoot trimming and proper shoe section can help reduce this problem.
There are several treatments that can be considered. These are broadly classified into conservative and surgical options. One of the conservative options that are used is NSAID administration. These group of drugs reduce the pain considerably when used but may lead to undesired side effects. Kidney and gastrointestinal system injury are well documented side effects. They can be minimized by interrupting the treatment intermittently.
Steroids should be considered if NSAIDs fail to relieve the pain. The steroids are usually injected into the navicular bursa directly bringing the drug very close to the affected structures. There is reported improvement in up to 80% of affected horses after 4 months of drug administration. The main worry with this mode of administration is an increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are several types of surgeries that can be performed. It should be emphasized that surgery merely provides relief but not cure. Surgery may also improve competitiveness. Palmer digital neurectomy is the commonest type of surgery that is performed.
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