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Navicular Syndrome Needs To Be Recognized Quickly To Avoid Suffering

By Ida Dorsey


There is surely nothing more distressing for an equestrian to look forward to a ride on your favorite horse, only to get to the stable and find the horse to be lame. Although this is a fairly common condition, especially after a long and rough outride, it is nonetheless of great concern as it is a painful condition for the animal and in most cases complete rest is the best treatment while the bone and surrounding tissue is given time to heal after the navicular syndrome has passed.

The role of the farrier, or blacksmith, is a very important one in maintaining the well being of the horse as the appropriate treatment of its hooves and shoes will ensure the comfort and health of the animal. There are many different designs of shoes for horses, all depending on the weight and size of the horse and what kind of work the animal usually does. Decreased pressure on the tissue in the hooves as well as the tendons is of great importance, which a good farrier will know very well.

Should the condition occur fairly frequently, it is advisable to have the veterinarian check the hooves. Neglecting it can lead to a disabling disease. Lameness could also be caused by a variety of other abnormalities.

Discovering lameness in one's horse is very disheartening. Recognizing this at an early stage is vital. It will lead to early treatment and therefore earlier recovery.

No horseman or horsewoman needs to despair when discovering lameness in your horse as early treatment will certainly end in early recovery. When one front foot is more affected than the other, the horse will noticeably tend to change from one leg to another. The condition is to be borne in mind when working the horse, as very uneven surfaces should be avoided and therefore the recovery of the animal will be hastened.

It is generally believed that thoroughbred horses have larger bodies whereas they have small feet and are therefore more inclined to develop lameness. It would appear to be more evident between the ages of seven to fourteen years. The rider's weight will be a determining factor and should always be considered. Ponies are believed to have stronger immunity against the syndrome.

A much gentler work schedule is recommended for the horse while lameness is evident and jumping should only be done in the arena where there are soft surfaces to land. However, slow and gentle distances can be undertaken in order for the general fitness of the horse to be maintained while recovering. Steep hills and rough and hard surfaces are to be avoided at all cost if a successful recovery is to be envisaged.

Fortunately we have the benefit of extensive research in the field and treatment can be very effective in a short time. Together with the necessary patience and care normal health can be very quickly restored when horse and rider can once again indulge in the pleasure of a good gallop in the country side.




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