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Monday 23 June 2014

Facts About Navicular Disease In Horses


By Ina Hunt


One can never deny the fact that horses have done a lot for humanity and its growth. This equine has already proved its value over so many years already. They were used to haul and transport various materials long before people made trucks. They were used as a mode of travel long before people had cars and other automobiles. They were used in warfare before the existence of tankers. Indeed, the relationship between this beast and man goes way back to as early as four thousand years ago and older.

Today, the most popular quadruped has taken on a different purpose for the public. They are, at present, used for shows, competitions and just for a leisurely walk around very spacious open areas. Superior pedigree quadrupeds are up for the admiration of a swooning crowd during horse dressage. All these gallops, trots and walks can put the hooves on a strain, and can result to navicular disease in horses.

One very common disease that strikes quadrupeds is the navicular disease. As its name suggests, it affects this particular bone in the hooves of horses. More specifically, it is located behind the coffin bone. The front feet of most quadrupeds are the areas that generally suffer. If your stallion has this disease, it means there is an inflammation of the navicular area and the surrounding spots.

There are really no exact reasons why this particular disease hits quadrupeds. Experts on equine care have their own theories and discussions as to why this happens, as here are some of their calculated guesses. One is overexertion. Lack of rest, as they are to stand all day long, can cause heavy strain on the feet of quadrupeds. Horses with bigger body mass also tend to develop navicular syndrome, as the hooves struggle to support all the extra weight.

Old age plays a role in the progression of the said illness, but it is not really a major factor. This certain disease usually afflicts equines who are at their prime, at their working age of seven to nine years old. Some even develop this problem in as early as only three years of age.

Horse shoes affixed to the hooves of horses also do not help one bit. Too tight or incorrectly placed shoes can hinder with the normal blood flow to the feet of the horse. The lack of oxygen then makes the hoof degenerate, leading to serious issues.

If the horse normally travels on areas that are too rocky and could possibly uneven, the chances of developing navicular disease also increase. Steep hills and sloped ranges cause the horse to give more effort, resulting in hoof disorder. Make your horse work or travel along areas that are conducive for trotting along. For those who are participating in equestrian sports, all the high jumps and gallops that a horse makes will also affect the navicula negatively.

If the beasts are showing signs of lameness, then that could be a giveaway that there is something wrong with its body. The first plan of action an owner should do is to have the shoe examined. It should be adjusted so that it will be more comfortable for the quadruped to walk. Others even suggest putting in a small pad to increase the measure of the angle.

You can also try a more medically inclined concept for the said problem. It is found out that most anti inflammatory drugs can somehow help. Just make sure that these do not contain steroids, in adherence to the rules laid out by AHSA.




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