The term navicular refers to a progressive degenerative condition in horses that involves navicular bone. This bone is located behind the coffin bone in the hoof. It also affects flexor tendons and bursa. According to researchers, this condition cannot be termed as a disease. Rather, it is a syndrome of one or several abnormalities. These abnormalities occur in one or both front feet of horses. Here are facts regarding Navicular disease in horses.
It was very difficult to locate the exact point where the navicular bone is situated in the feet of horses some time back. That made it difficult to learn more about the condition. Nevertheless, with technological development, it became easier and precise to locate the exact position of the bone. The changes which spearheaded the development of this condition are easy to identify with use of advanced technology.
The use of MRI scans enables improved study of the structure of horse feet. Currently, it is largely understood that a number of medical problems have impact on different parts of the anatomy of a horse. Even though a number of medical problems can be completely treated, a number of them are still hard to treat. Additionally, specific horse breeds are known to be more vulnerable to the condition.
Among the main reasons leading to the occurrence of the condition is age. The illness is additionally known to get worse as the animal continues to age. The fact that horses are able to live longer today causes the condition to get very bad in some cases. It is for this reason that early diagnosis of the problem and identification of available options for treatment is important.
As earlier stated, the condition can be caused by various problems. The problems include inflammation, problems with the flexor tendon and injuries to the ligaments supporting the lower feet. The condition affects the animals used in performance sports most. Thus, it is the main factor causing lameness in horses.
Some of the breeds of horses that have been known to develop this condition more frequently are warmbloods, thoroughbreds, and quarter horses. The age range within which animals are most likely to develop the problem is between 7 and 14 years. Other factors that predispose horses to this conditions include sheared heels, underrun heels, contracted heels, disproportionally small feet, mismatched hoof angles, and broken forward/backward hoof axis.
The degree to which the condition occurs in both front feet varies. In most cases, one foot will be affected more than in the other. This causes lameness in one foot, which is faster to notice. The easiest way to notice lameness is one foot is when the horse is negotiating tight corners. Affected animals tend to swap legs as they negotiate tight circles.
Usually, the pain is perceived in the area around the heel. Normally, this causes horses to set down in the toe to heal and not the usual heel to toe way. This is normally done by the animal so as to avoid pain linked to usual landing. This slight signs may not be easily noticeable, more so for starters. Hence in the attempt to ease the condition, the horse should be taped on video and played in slow motion. This makes it easy to identify signs.
It was very difficult to locate the exact point where the navicular bone is situated in the feet of horses some time back. That made it difficult to learn more about the condition. Nevertheless, with technological development, it became easier and precise to locate the exact position of the bone. The changes which spearheaded the development of this condition are easy to identify with use of advanced technology.
The use of MRI scans enables improved study of the structure of horse feet. Currently, it is largely understood that a number of medical problems have impact on different parts of the anatomy of a horse. Even though a number of medical problems can be completely treated, a number of them are still hard to treat. Additionally, specific horse breeds are known to be more vulnerable to the condition.
Among the main reasons leading to the occurrence of the condition is age. The illness is additionally known to get worse as the animal continues to age. The fact that horses are able to live longer today causes the condition to get very bad in some cases. It is for this reason that early diagnosis of the problem and identification of available options for treatment is important.
As earlier stated, the condition can be caused by various problems. The problems include inflammation, problems with the flexor tendon and injuries to the ligaments supporting the lower feet. The condition affects the animals used in performance sports most. Thus, it is the main factor causing lameness in horses.
Some of the breeds of horses that have been known to develop this condition more frequently are warmbloods, thoroughbreds, and quarter horses. The age range within which animals are most likely to develop the problem is between 7 and 14 years. Other factors that predispose horses to this conditions include sheared heels, underrun heels, contracted heels, disproportionally small feet, mismatched hoof angles, and broken forward/backward hoof axis.
The degree to which the condition occurs in both front feet varies. In most cases, one foot will be affected more than in the other. This causes lameness in one foot, which is faster to notice. The easiest way to notice lameness is one foot is when the horse is negotiating tight corners. Affected animals tend to swap legs as they negotiate tight circles.
Usually, the pain is perceived in the area around the heel. Normally, this causes horses to set down in the toe to heal and not the usual heel to toe way. This is normally done by the animal so as to avoid pain linked to usual landing. This slight signs may not be easily noticeable, more so for starters. Hence in the attempt to ease the condition, the horse should be taped on video and played in slow motion. This makes it easy to identify signs.
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