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 occurrence of this condition is limited to navicular bones and surrounding structures. Permanent lameness occurs in cases where the condition goes untreated for long. Studies name this condition as the number one causative agent of permanent lameness in horses today. Even when discovered early enough, there is still no guarantee of preventing lameness in the long-run. Severity level is just high.
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.
Some major causes of the disorder are reduced blood flow to the bone due to interference or trauma caused to the bone as a result of various actions. In the end, ligaments, bursa, and surrounding structures get damaged permanently. Permanent damage causes lameness which may be irrecoverable. Young animals are not affected by the problem. However, those at the age of five and beyond are at a higher risk and are the ones often affected.
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition. During early stages, the signs may be harder to notice. The disorder is predominant in front feet, and usually causes low grade lameness. One can notice slight limping in movement. F not corrected, symptoms get worse. Symptoms are characterized by seasonality, only realizable when the animal is walked in circles or on hard ground.
In certain cases, a single foot may be affected more than the other. When this happens, the animal reveals an obvious limp in its strides. The pain is usually very much, and the horse may stand with the affected leg in front. The toes also tend to touch the ground first in an attempt to avoid placing full weight on heels. Recovery steps or treatment should be given at this stage for higher chances of full recovery.
There are many ways of diagnosing the problem. First maintaining a history of symptoms is necessary. Veterinarians may base diagnosis on the history. Existence of the problem is confirmed by 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 occurrence of this condition is limited to navicular bones and surrounding structures. Permanent lameness occurs in cases where the condition goes untreated for long. Studies name this condition as the number one causative agent of permanent lameness in horses today. Even when discovered early enough, there is still no guarantee of preventing lameness in the long-run. Severity level is just high.
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.
Some major causes of the disorder are reduced blood flow to the bone due to interference or trauma caused to the bone as a result of various actions. In the end, ligaments, bursa, and surrounding structures get damaged permanently. Permanent damage causes lameness which may be irrecoverable. Young animals are not affected by the problem. However, those at the age of five and beyond are at a higher risk and are the ones often affected.
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition. During early stages, the signs may be harder to notice. The disorder is predominant in front feet, and usually causes low grade lameness. One can notice slight limping in movement. F not corrected, symptoms get worse. Symptoms are characterized by seasonality, only realizable when the animal is walked in circles or on hard ground.
In certain cases, a single foot may be affected more than the other. When this happens, the animal reveals an obvious limp in its strides. The pain is usually very much, and the horse may stand with the affected leg in front. The toes also tend to touch the ground first in an attempt to avoid placing full weight on heels. Recovery steps or treatment should be given at this stage for higher chances of full recovery.
There are many ways of diagnosing the problem. First maintaining a history of symptoms is necessary. Veterinarians may base diagnosis on the history. Existence of the problem is confirmed by 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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