The navicular bone and surrounding tissues sometimes get problems. This is the bone that is in the front part of the foot. It is located behind the coffin bone and next to small pastern bone. A strong bundle of tendons run across the part to the back part of the coffin bone. They also pass through the soft tissue. Some cartilage is found between these two bones. Moreover, there is a fluid sack just over the navicular bone to prevent it from getting abraded. The syndrome causes inflammation around this area and sometimes causing the bone to degenerate and causing disabling lameness to the horse. Therefore, there is much need to ensure navicular disease in horses is handled in the early stages.
There is no single factor that is wholly responsible for the syndrome. Animal health expert have put forward theories to explain possible causes. The first theory asserts that the syndrome could be caused by compression of navicular bone by tendons and pastern bone on the rear. It is also believed to cause cartilage degeneration. Degeneration causes flattening of cartilage making it less springy and unable to handle heavy shock.
What follows is constant rubbing of the tendon against this bone surface causing inflammation. In addition, Compression causes an increase in bone density under the cartilage especially near the tendons. Increase in bone density makes the bone brittle and may actually lead to a breakage.
Research has also indicated that tension on the ligaments that support the bone could lead to degeneration. Excess tension causes strain and inflammation that decreases blood flow to and fro the navicular bone. Most of these blood vessels run along this region. Persistent tension causes the ligament to permanently thicken and reduce blood flow.
If blood is restricted from one side, there is a buildup of fluid in this bone. The bone responds to this reduced flow by absorbing mineral that is found at the center of the bone. Extreme tension causes exostoses. This is a case where ligaments get attached to the particular bone and compress it to a canoe shape. The ligaments may also tear in the process.
The veterinary doctor recommends treatment dependent on the extent of this syndrome. The medication can range from conservative methods to more aggressive ones. Such interventions include shoeing for therapeutic purposes, oral and intravenous medication and surgery. Since the response to treatment is not always guaranteed, it is advisable to start with conservative methods before trying more aggressive ones.
Since response to any intervention is not guaranteed to be positive, most vets start with conservative methods and try aggressive ones when they do not work. A metallic bar is placed across the heel in shoe treatment. This is meant to relieve pressure and improve blood flow in the region.
Medication involves the use of vasodilators and oral anti-inflammatory drugs to treat pain. Nerves are severed during surgery to relieve pain. However, this causes the horse to lose sensation on the back side of the foot.
There is no single factor that is wholly responsible for the syndrome. Animal health expert have put forward theories to explain possible causes. The first theory asserts that the syndrome could be caused by compression of navicular bone by tendons and pastern bone on the rear. It is also believed to cause cartilage degeneration. Degeneration causes flattening of cartilage making it less springy and unable to handle heavy shock.
What follows is constant rubbing of the tendon against this bone surface causing inflammation. In addition, Compression causes an increase in bone density under the cartilage especially near the tendons. Increase in bone density makes the bone brittle and may actually lead to a breakage.
Research has also indicated that tension on the ligaments that support the bone could lead to degeneration. Excess tension causes strain and inflammation that decreases blood flow to and fro the navicular bone. Most of these blood vessels run along this region. Persistent tension causes the ligament to permanently thicken and reduce blood flow.
If blood is restricted from one side, there is a buildup of fluid in this bone. The bone responds to this reduced flow by absorbing mineral that is found at the center of the bone. Extreme tension causes exostoses. This is a case where ligaments get attached to the particular bone and compress it to a canoe shape. The ligaments may also tear in the process.
The veterinary doctor recommends treatment dependent on the extent of this syndrome. The medication can range from conservative methods to more aggressive ones. Such interventions include shoeing for therapeutic purposes, oral and intravenous medication and surgery. Since the response to treatment is not always guaranteed, it is advisable to start with conservative methods before trying more aggressive ones.
Since response to any intervention is not guaranteed to be positive, most vets start with conservative methods and try aggressive ones when they do not work. A metallic bar is placed across the heel in shoe treatment. This is meant to relieve pressure and improve blood flow in the region.
Medication involves the use of vasodilators and oral anti-inflammatory drugs to treat pain. Nerves are severed during surgery to relieve pain. However, this causes the horse to lose sensation on the back side of the foot.
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