Navicular Disease As Fatal In Horses

By Janine Hughes


Navicular disease is an illness that is very common to horses. It is experienced through the inflammation of the surrounding tissue of the navicular bone on the front feet. It can lead to lameness or some disability if left untreated or unmanaged. It is always advisable to start managing the condition as soon as you notice the symptoms.

There are two main factors that are known to contribute to this ailment. First is the compression of the navicular bone. The compression of the area surrounding this bone, leads to the degradation of the cartilage. The degradation can continue to a point where one of the bone underneath is exposed. The bone becomes more brittle and its chances of breaking increases.

Tension of the ligaments that support the navicular bone is also another factor. Tension at the ligaments reduces the flow of blood and causes strain and inflammation at the foot. This tension is also accompanied with high blood pressure inside the bone that causes some minerals to be absorbed from the center. Very high tension gives a canoe shape to the foot.

The symptoms of these disease are very hard to ignore. If you interact with your horse often you will notice the soreness of the foot affected by the ailment. The horse will once in a while stumble due to the immense pain it is experiencing. Several months later, you will notice that the foot will even change in shape. It will be narrower and upright.

This disease has not yet found its treatment since is not caused by a specific agent. This illness is a result of several processes occurring. The changes are permanent so there is negligible efforts which can be made. One may try to contain the condition by concentrating on how to reduce pain and discomfort at the hooves.

Foot shape and form can be improved through trimming. A number of horses who have underrun heels are mostly affected by the disease. This practice assists in changing biomechanical and other balance of the foot. This will stimulate the foot and will improve the condition of the limb.

One should also consider shoeing their horses. Shoes help a lot in managing the problems that affect the feet. Since there are so many types of shoes one should be very careful while choosing the type of shoe you want for your horse. Each type is known for its own special advantages.

Just like any other disease, exercise of the body is very important. One can take them for a slow long distance walk to help them relax their muscles. Swimming is also a great exercise. One should avoid making them run at high speed or on surfaces that cause strain. Jumping is also not good for the horse during this treatment.

Is is very important to consult the person who treats your horses if you notice the symptoms. He or she should be in a position to give some expert advice depending on the condition of your animal




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment