People who work with or own horses may be familiar with the possible health problems that can arise in these animals. Among them is navicular syndrome or disease. This refers to a syndrome related to soundness issues in these animals. It is commonly defined as the degeneration or inflammation of the navicular bone and surrounding tissues. Navicular syndrome in horses can lead to other significant problems, including lameness that leaves the animal disabled.
In understanding what this syndrome entails, one must understand what this area consists of. This bone is located behind the coffin bone and underneath the small pastern. This navicular bone has several ligaments around it that offers it support.
No single cause has been associated with this syndrome, although there are plenty of theories about what contributes to it. Two commonly held beliefs for the cause: tension and compression. Compression theories suggest that the continual compression in this region can lead to degeneration of fundamental cartilage. This eventually leads to a great reduction in the amount of shock absorbency and spring in the feet. It could also cause brittleness and lead to major friction between bones because of absence of cartilage.
Another potential cause for this is tension that is placed on the ligaments that are around the navicular bone. Some say that the degenerative process starts with the added tension placed on ligaments, which results in straining and inflammation. This can lead to decrease of blood flow to and from the bone.
If blood is obstructed in this manner, it can create pressure buildup within the bone. If there is excess pressure and lack of blood, the bone may start absorbing mineral from within its center which is problematic. Another problem related to tension is exostoses. This is defined as ligaments attaching to the bone to form a canoe-like shape. When tension becomes too much, ligaments may tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
Horses affected by this might have tiptoe gait. That is, they may try walking on the toes to avoid heel pain. Frequent stumbling may also be observed. Lameness might switch between legs and be inconsistent. If the problem persists without attention, the feet might change shape, usually becoming more narrow and upright.
Trimming, hoof care, surgery, medication and exercise are often used for treating this condition. Usually more than one method is applied at once. Every case will be different. It is important to work with animal professionals when deciding on a plan for care. Some of the changes brought on by this may not be reversible. Still, it is important to try to best manage the condition and offer the animal some pain relief while also slowing down the progression of the syndrome.
In understanding what this syndrome entails, one must understand what this area consists of. This bone is located behind the coffin bone and underneath the small pastern. This navicular bone has several ligaments around it that offers it support.
No single cause has been associated with this syndrome, although there are plenty of theories about what contributes to it. Two commonly held beliefs for the cause: tension and compression. Compression theories suggest that the continual compression in this region can lead to degeneration of fundamental cartilage. This eventually leads to a great reduction in the amount of shock absorbency and spring in the feet. It could also cause brittleness and lead to major friction between bones because of absence of cartilage.
Another potential cause for this is tension that is placed on the ligaments that are around the navicular bone. Some say that the degenerative process starts with the added tension placed on ligaments, which results in straining and inflammation. This can lead to decrease of blood flow to and from the bone.
If blood is obstructed in this manner, it can create pressure buildup within the bone. If there is excess pressure and lack of blood, the bone may start absorbing mineral from within its center which is problematic. Another problem related to tension is exostoses. This is defined as ligaments attaching to the bone to form a canoe-like shape. When tension becomes too much, ligaments may tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
Horses affected by this might have tiptoe gait. That is, they may try walking on the toes to avoid heel pain. Frequent stumbling may also be observed. Lameness might switch between legs and be inconsistent. If the problem persists without attention, the feet might change shape, usually becoming more narrow and upright.
Trimming, hoof care, surgery, medication and exercise are often used for treating this condition. Usually more than one method is applied at once. Every case will be different. It is important to work with animal professionals when deciding on a plan for care. Some of the changes brought on by this may not be reversible. Still, it is important to try to best manage the condition and offer the animal some pain relief while also slowing down the progression of the syndrome.
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