Buying a horse is a very significant purchase. Good competition animals are very expensive. Before buying a new horse it is vital to have the animal properly checked out by an experienced equine veterinarian. This will include a comprehensive lameness examination. The horse will be trotted up on a hard surface and checked for any signs of lameness.
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.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
One of the first signs that the horse is developing the condition is a vague lameness in the front feet. At first this many be very subtle. It may seem to come and go and might improve with rest. However, as time goes on the horse will get progressively worse until it is time to consult a veterinarian. In most cases a diagnosis is fairly routine.
Once a horse has been diagnosed with navicular disease a course of treatment and medication will need to be established. The first step is to stop working the animal until its condition has been stabilized. No one knows how well each individual animal will respond to the available medications. As the condition is progressive it is vital to know how well the animal will do and how much work they will stand up to.
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.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
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.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
One of the first signs that the horse is developing the condition is a vague lameness in the front feet. At first this many be very subtle. It may seem to come and go and might improve with rest. However, as time goes on the horse will get progressively worse until it is time to consult a veterinarian. In most cases a diagnosis is fairly routine.
Once a horse has been diagnosed with navicular disease a course of treatment and medication will need to be established. The first step is to stop working the animal until its condition has been stabilized. No one knows how well each individual animal will respond to the available medications. As the condition is progressive it is vital to know how well the animal will do and how much work they will stand up to.
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.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
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.
About the Author:
If you are searching for information about navicular disease in horses, you should pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://www.naviculardisease.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment