Horses are among mans most favorite animal. They are used for a variety of functions. Though many people may not be aware of this, horses are affected by a lot of diseases. This is because of their environment since they are tamed and lived in control conditions and other interactions which exposes them to these diseases. There are many known infections affecting horses. This article will concentrate on navicular syndrome in horses.
To begin with, navicular syndrome also referred to as navicular disease describes an inflammation on the navicular bone and the surrounding tissues. It could also mean degeneration of the same. This usually occurs in the front feet. Worsening of this condition could even lead to lameness of a horse. The navicular area in brief describes a part on the limb in the horse, behind the coffin bone. It is supported by several ligaments and tendons including the deep digital flexor tendon and impar ligament. Their main function is to ensure strong attachment of the bone to the joint
Currently, there has be no proof of a single cause of this disease. There are only theories suggesting its cause. The first theory suggest it is due to compression of this bone. Repeated compression of this bone and the deep digital flexor results to degeneration of the cartilage. The main role of a cartilage is to absorb shock on the joint. Degeneration therefore results to erosion thus increased friction.
The second theory faults the stress and tension present in the ligaments to be causing this condition. As you are aware, they experience a lot of strenuous exercises. As a result, there is buildup of tension on the ligaments which may result to inflammation. This could also have an impact on blood supply of the hoof.
This disease occurrence is contributed by a number of factors. First and foremost, the conformation of the horses hoof determines the occurrence of this disease. Certain hoof conformations such as low toe, low heel are said to contribute to this. The pathophysiology behind this is that they exert stress on the bone. Poor shape of the hoof is also a contributing factor. This condition is however inherited.
Other contributing factors include shoeing and how the horse is trimmed. Basically, the hoof of a horse usually expands and contracts during movements. This is important in ensuring sufficient blood supply. Use of metal shoes for example does not give space for this movements thus inhibits blood flow resulting to inflammation.
Work and the body weight of a horse are other contributing factors. Working on steep hills or jumping contribute to this disease. This is because they exert stress on the bone. Regular exercise on irregular grounds also increases the risk of getting this syndrome. Those with high weight to foot size ratio have increased chances of getting the disease. This is due to stress on the foot.
Signs of infection include heel pain resulting to tip toeing of the horse, changes in shape of hoof and ultimately lameness. Treatment of this syndrome includes proper trimming, hoof care, reduced exercise and adequate medication. Surgery is the treatment option of the last resort.
To begin with, navicular syndrome also referred to as navicular disease describes an inflammation on the navicular bone and the surrounding tissues. It could also mean degeneration of the same. This usually occurs in the front feet. Worsening of this condition could even lead to lameness of a horse. The navicular area in brief describes a part on the limb in the horse, behind the coffin bone. It is supported by several ligaments and tendons including the deep digital flexor tendon and impar ligament. Their main function is to ensure strong attachment of the bone to the joint
Currently, there has be no proof of a single cause of this disease. There are only theories suggesting its cause. The first theory suggest it is due to compression of this bone. Repeated compression of this bone and the deep digital flexor results to degeneration of the cartilage. The main role of a cartilage is to absorb shock on the joint. Degeneration therefore results to erosion thus increased friction.
The second theory faults the stress and tension present in the ligaments to be causing this condition. As you are aware, they experience a lot of strenuous exercises. As a result, there is buildup of tension on the ligaments which may result to inflammation. This could also have an impact on blood supply of the hoof.
This disease occurrence is contributed by a number of factors. First and foremost, the conformation of the horses hoof determines the occurrence of this disease. Certain hoof conformations such as low toe, low heel are said to contribute to this. The pathophysiology behind this is that they exert stress on the bone. Poor shape of the hoof is also a contributing factor. This condition is however inherited.
Other contributing factors include shoeing and how the horse is trimmed. Basically, the hoof of a horse usually expands and contracts during movements. This is important in ensuring sufficient blood supply. Use of metal shoes for example does not give space for this movements thus inhibits blood flow resulting to inflammation.
Work and the body weight of a horse are other contributing factors. Working on steep hills or jumping contribute to this disease. This is because they exert stress on the bone. Regular exercise on irregular grounds also increases the risk of getting this syndrome. Those with high weight to foot size ratio have increased chances of getting the disease. This is due to stress on the foot.
Signs of infection include heel pain resulting to tip toeing of the horse, changes in shape of hoof and ultimately lameness. Treatment of this syndrome includes proper trimming, hoof care, reduced exercise and adequate medication. Surgery is the treatment option of the last resort.
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