The Consequences Of Navicular Pain On Horses

By Lelia Hall


Navicular syndrome is an infection emanating in inflammation of a navicular bone and surrounding tissues. The front feet of the horse are affected. Degeneration happens during subjection to frequent compression. The cartilage is forced to flatten becoming less springy or shock absorbing. This syndrome is the cause of navicular pain in the heel which soon leads to lameness in athletic horses.

It becomes noticeable when a sick horse avoids applying pressure to this bone through placing weight on its toe. The horse also takes longer to stop in its stride. It shifts its position quite often when it is at a standstill. The horse does this in order to ease the pressure and pain away from the infected bone. This shifting gives the animal comfort with the easing of pain.

The positive diagnosis is confirmed through clinical signs and radiography. A professional veterinarian gives the requisite treatment to a horse on pin pointing the disease via x-rays. Physically examining a hoof area of a sick horse also confirms the presence of the problem. An infected horse will reveal clear signs which enable the veterinarian make a full positive diagnosis.

As a veterinarian goes about their observations, they may notice a horse responds painfully when testers are applied to infected areas. This kind of reaction is directly correspondent to the application of pressure on the navicular bone. The hoof of the most affected horse leg appears smaller than the hoof on the opposite leg. This is because an infected horse shifts most of its weight to the healthy leg.

A sick horse can be restored to its original peak performing activities. This can be made possible should the proper treatment and tender care be applied. The disease does not kill the horse. If an athlete has problems with any part of their legs, it does not mean the end of their sporting activities. It only makes them adequately aware of their problem leading to better care of their legs. A similar situation arises where with horses afflicted.

The malady infects both front feet of a horse. The initial examination could identify only one of these legs as afflicted. Soon, however, the nervous system of other leg is blockaded giving the appearance that this horse is limping using the other leg. The limping is the red flag a veterinarian uses to pinpoint the syndrome presence.

The basis for treating the disease rests on picking the right shoes for the particular horse concerned. Frequent corrective shoe adjustments should not be made. This is because horses are infected with the use of faulty under-run or long shoes. One of the best techniques to correct the ailment involves balancing the hooves front to back and from one side to the other. The result is the easing of pain for a sick horse. Both front hooves should be made parallel with a pastern line and the back of the shoe.

Another option is to treat the disease with Isoxsuprine. This is the most successful drug for the problem this far. It enables the increase in blood flow and circulation. It also dilutes blood vessels around the navicular bone. Blood circulation can also be enhanced with the requisite exercise.




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