Horse owners know how important it is to keep a very close eye on their animals. Each horse should be watched closely at all times to check for signs of lameness or injury. A good owner or trainer will be able to spot a problem very quickly. It is often just a very subtle difference in the way the animal moves that tips the owner off to a potential issue.
Even the most experienced of owners usually like to keep their animals at a good boarding barn. This will allow for twenty four hour care and attention. Good barn owners will be very vigilant to any signs of a problem, but especially to signs of navicular disease in horses. This condition is well known and documented as it often results in permanent lameness and the end of the animals working life.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
Occasionally a horse will have a very odd set of symptoms that can really confuse even the most experienced veterinarian. It has been known for an animal to show no signs of front end lameness, instead looking like it has a serious back problem. However on close examination no signs of an actual back issue can be found. In these cases the horse is trying very hard to disguise its lameness by taking all the weight off its front feet.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
The preferred test for navicular is a standard nerve block. Small amounts of anesthetic are injected into the joint. If the horse is trotted up on a hard surface and is sound, it is pretty conclusive that they are suffering from this condition. It is important that the animal is given rest and put on a course of appropriate medication.
Nerve blocks are the most common way of getting a correct diagnosis. After a small amount of anesthetic has been injected into the joint, the horse will then present as sound. This confirms that site of the pain.
Before buying a horse it is important to check the animals blood lines. Navicular is often transmitted from parent to offspring. If the mother or father had the condition, there is a strong possibility that the foals will eventually develop it too.
Even the most experienced of owners usually like to keep their animals at a good boarding barn. This will allow for twenty four hour care and attention. Good barn owners will be very vigilant to any signs of a problem, but especially to signs of navicular disease in horses. This condition is well known and documented as it often results in permanent lameness and the end of the animals working life.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
Occasionally a horse will have a very odd set of symptoms that can really confuse even the most experienced veterinarian. It has been known for an animal to show no signs of front end lameness, instead looking like it has a serious back problem. However on close examination no signs of an actual back issue can be found. In these cases the horse is trying very hard to disguise its lameness by taking all the weight off its front feet.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
The preferred test for navicular is a standard nerve block. Small amounts of anesthetic are injected into the joint. If the horse is trotted up on a hard surface and is sound, it is pretty conclusive that they are suffering from this condition. It is important that the animal is given rest and put on a course of appropriate medication.
Nerve blocks are the most common way of getting a correct diagnosis. After a small amount of anesthetic has been injected into the joint, the horse will then present as sound. This confirms that site of the pain.
Before buying a horse it is important to check the animals blood lines. Navicular is often transmitted from parent to offspring. If the mother or father had the condition, there is a strong possibility that the foals will eventually develop it too.
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