Horse owners and trainers have many things to worry about on a daily basis. Horses are large animals who do a surprisingly good job of taking care of themselves. However, even with the best care and attention they can still become lame. It is these situations, with no obvious injury or cause of the problem that are often the most difficult to diagnose. There are several conditions that owners need to be very aware of and know the signs and symptoms of.
Most horses are surprisingly tough and can get through many difficult situations without a problem. Yet with all the care in the world there are some conditions that will manifest simply because of an inherent weakness within the animal. Navicular disease is one such condition. If the animal has the prerequisite problems it is almost inevitable that sooner or later they will present with the classic signs of chronic lameness.
The bone is prone to damage because of its location in the lower part of the leg, near to the hoof. It also acts as a fulcrum for ligaments and this adds additional stress to the situation. It is also important to know that certain breeds of horse, particularly the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are more prone to developing this condition. This is because they are both large breeds of horse with relatively small feet.
Symptoms will typically strike between the ages of seven and fourteen. Although it is possible for horses as young as four to be seriously affected. The earlier the condition begins the more severe it usually is. A horse who is seriously lame at four or five years old will not have much hope of a working or competitive career. They can sometimes be used as pasture mates or for very light work if they are still safe.
As soon as these symptoms are noticed it is vital to bring in an experienced veterinarian to do a thorough examination. Most horses are diagnosed on clinical symptoms alone, but follow up with nerve blocks and x rays should also be done. However, x rays alone are not conclusive in proving that the animal has the condition.
As the horse begins to experience chronic and consistent pain in his front feet he will often adopt the habit of pointing his toes whilst resting. This is a classic symptom of navicular problems and should be taken very seriously. The horse is trying to take the stress off their toes and leans back onto their heels. This in turn can lead to additional issues and problems.
Once a diagnosis has been made there are a number of treatment options. Most animals respond well to anti inflammatory drugs. These can be powdered up and added to the feed. Most are safe for long term use, but there are restrictions for competition horses and riders need to be aware of these. These drugs can also help increase blood flow in the lower leg and this will also help to relive the symptoms.
The most typical type of corrective shoe has a bar across the heel. This helps to raise the heel to the correct angle, which in turn reduces stress on the bones. Used in conjunction with medication and a careful work schedule many horses can continue with their working lives. A diagnosis of navicular does not need to be the end of a horses useful life.
Most horses are surprisingly tough and can get through many difficult situations without a problem. Yet with all the care in the world there are some conditions that will manifest simply because of an inherent weakness within the animal. Navicular disease is one such condition. If the animal has the prerequisite problems it is almost inevitable that sooner or later they will present with the classic signs of chronic lameness.
The bone is prone to damage because of its location in the lower part of the leg, near to the hoof. It also acts as a fulcrum for ligaments and this adds additional stress to the situation. It is also important to know that certain breeds of horse, particularly the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are more prone to developing this condition. This is because they are both large breeds of horse with relatively small feet.
Symptoms will typically strike between the ages of seven and fourteen. Although it is possible for horses as young as four to be seriously affected. The earlier the condition begins the more severe it usually is. A horse who is seriously lame at four or five years old will not have much hope of a working or competitive career. They can sometimes be used as pasture mates or for very light work if they are still safe.
As soon as these symptoms are noticed it is vital to bring in an experienced veterinarian to do a thorough examination. Most horses are diagnosed on clinical symptoms alone, but follow up with nerve blocks and x rays should also be done. However, x rays alone are not conclusive in proving that the animal has the condition.
As the horse begins to experience chronic and consistent pain in his front feet he will often adopt the habit of pointing his toes whilst resting. This is a classic symptom of navicular problems and should be taken very seriously. The horse is trying to take the stress off their toes and leans back onto their heels. This in turn can lead to additional issues and problems.
Once a diagnosis has been made there are a number of treatment options. Most animals respond well to anti inflammatory drugs. These can be powdered up and added to the feed. Most are safe for long term use, but there are restrictions for competition horses and riders need to be aware of these. These drugs can also help increase blood flow in the lower leg and this will also help to relive the symptoms.
The most typical type of corrective shoe has a bar across the heel. This helps to raise the heel to the correct angle, which in turn reduces stress on the bones. Used in conjunction with medication and a careful work schedule many horses can continue with their working lives. A diagnosis of navicular does not need to be the end of a horses useful life.
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