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.
The two factors that largely contribute to the development of this disease is tension and compression of the bone and its surrounding structures. Compression causes the cartilage to perform functions poorly. It causes degradation that leads to the exposure of the bone beneath it. The exposed bone becomes more prone to other external forces. This whole process causes a lot of pain to the animal.
Tension experienced by the ligaments at the navicular bone is the second contributing factor. The strain of the ligaments leads to reduced blood flow. There is also high blood pressure experienced inside the bone. This causes some of the vital minerals to be adsorbed from the center of the bone. The bone becomes weak and prone to changes in shape.
Since the horse is subjected to a lot of pain, it is easy to notice the symptoms. The horse would try to walk on its toes due to the pain it is experiencing at the heel. The horse will stumble most of the times. The affected foot will appear to be sore and after several months it may change shape. It will appear more upright and narrowed.
Since the condition is a result of some processes it cannot be said to have a specific cause. This has made it very hard to have a particular treatment. The disease can only be managed or controlled by trying to relief the pain at the hoof. It is unfortunate that the changes that occur cannot be reversed by any type of medication.
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.
Exercise is a very important aspect when it comes to control and treatment of ailments. One is therefore required to exercise the horse so as to build the physique. It will promote good circulation with in the body. Slow long distance walks and swimming are very helpful during control of the disease. One should not engage them in vigorous exercises like running at very high speeds. The horses should not also be strained while walking on very rocky surfaces or even jumping.
The illness can only be fatal when it is not noted and controlled. It can be easily managed through a number of ways. One should always seek professional advice from a local vet.
The two factors that largely contribute to the development of this disease is tension and compression of the bone and its surrounding structures. Compression causes the cartilage to perform functions poorly. It causes degradation that leads to the exposure of the bone beneath it. The exposed bone becomes more prone to other external forces. This whole process causes a lot of pain to the animal.
Tension experienced by the ligaments at the navicular bone is the second contributing factor. The strain of the ligaments leads to reduced blood flow. There is also high blood pressure experienced inside the bone. This causes some of the vital minerals to be adsorbed from the center of the bone. The bone becomes weak and prone to changes in shape.
Since the horse is subjected to a lot of pain, it is easy to notice the symptoms. The horse would try to walk on its toes due to the pain it is experiencing at the heel. The horse will stumble most of the times. The affected foot will appear to be sore and after several months it may change shape. It will appear more upright and narrowed.
Since the condition is a result of some processes it cannot be said to have a specific cause. This has made it very hard to have a particular treatment. The disease can only be managed or controlled by trying to relief the pain at the hoof. It is unfortunate that the changes that occur cannot be reversed by any type of medication.
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.
Exercise is a very important aspect when it comes to control and treatment of ailments. One is therefore required to exercise the horse so as to build the physique. It will promote good circulation with in the body. Slow long distance walks and swimming are very helpful during control of the disease. One should not engage them in vigorous exercises like running at very high speeds. The horses should not also be strained while walking on very rocky surfaces or even jumping.
The illness can only be fatal when it is not noted and controlled. It can be easily managed through a number of ways. One should always seek professional advice from a local vet.
