Navicular Syndrome Needs To Be Recognized Quickly To Avoid Suffering

By Ida Dorsey


All too often the discovery of your horse to have lameness is very distressful but early diagnosis and treatment with an appreciation of the condition will lead to the correct action and treatment and therefore to a speedy recovery. Most often total rest is recommended for the horse in order to give the tissue that surround the bone, a chance to heal properly after navicular syndrome.

The role of the farrier, or blacksmith, is a very important one in maintaining the well being of the horse as the appropriate treatment of its hooves and shoes will ensure the comfort and health of the animal. There are many different designs of shoes for horses, all depending on the weight and size of the horse and what kind of work the animal usually does. Decreased pressure on the tissue in the hooves as well as the tendons is of great importance, which a good farrier will know very well.

If the animal shows a tendency of lameness too frequently, regular check-ups by a trusted veterinarian is important. A chronic and disabling disease can be the result of neglecting the symptoms which can lead to other more serious abnormal conditions. Lameness is usually the result of injury of the heel area of the feet due to incorrect landing of the horse and the rider should guide the horse to make the correct normal landing which is heel to toe, instead of the other way around.

Discovering lameness in one's horse is very disheartening. Recognizing this at an early stage is vital. It will lead to early treatment and therefore earlier recovery.

It is often the case that one front foot is more affected than the other. This can be identified when the animal often switches weight from one leg to the other. Working the horse hard when this condition is evident is not advisable and hard and rough surfaces are to be avoided as this will certainly retard the healing process and prove to be uncomfortable for the animal.

It is generally believed that thoroughbred horses have larger bodies whereas they have small feet and are therefore more inclined to develop lameness. It would appear to be more evident between the ages of seven to fourteen years. The rider's weight will be a determining factor and should always be considered. Ponies are believed to have stronger immunity against the syndrome.

Those in the know believe that thoroughbreds have small feet in relation to their larger bodies and they therefore have a higher tendency to contract this condition. Research shows that this becomes evident from the ages of seven or more years. It is the contention of most in the equestrian field that ponies have a higher defense against this condition as they are not usually thoroughbreds.

In this day and age the benefit of a great deal of research is at ones disposal in order to reach quicker results and this is also the case in the treatment of navicular disease or syndrome. Coupled with care and patience the animal can quickly be brought to its normal state of fitness through the correct help after which horse and rider will again be able to partake in the wonderful sport of riding and jumping.




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