Recurring group of symptoms is what is referred to as syndrome. Navicular pain is also known as navicular syndrome. Horses with this condition can be treated and nursed back to their initial levels of performance. Most people believe that a horse diagnosed with this condition cannot run when in reality this is not true. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.
Diagnosis is based on radiographic and clinical signs. Clinical symptoms mean that a vet bases on what is seen during physical examination whereas radiographic signs entails checking x-ray photos of the hoof. X-rays are important since they help rule out other possible causes of lameness in horses. During examination the vet looks for certain signs such as the horse landing on its heels at the expense of the toes.
Quarterhorses and thoroughbreds are some of the examples that are prone to the condition, although other breeds also get affected. The two breeds are vulnerable to navicular syndrome since they are heavyweight animals standing on comparatively tiny feet. This implies that they exert too much pressure on forelimbs. The disorder mostly occurs between 7 to 14 years, though it may develop at any stage or age.
Visible symptoms present themselves in form of one forelimb being smaller than its twin. This happens because the animal puts no or less weight on that particular limb for long. Low blood flow can also account for contracted foot. While at rest a sick horse tends to alter its weight repeatedly. In doing so it eases strain, which causes pain on the frog parts. Bearing much pressure on toes cause the shoulders to have a lame appearance.
Hoof testers are applied alongside other techniques. The tool applies strain over the frog area and the animal flinches as a result of pain if the hoof is diseased. A vet notes the reaction of the horse when the tool is used on the back and front foot. Another method entails injecting anesthesia, which temporarily relieves pain. The pain maybe originating within the navicular area in case the horse walks in normal manner following the injection if it were lame before.
There are several ways of correcting this problem depending on the extend of infection. Drug therapy involving use of Isoxsuprine is common. The drug dilates or expands blood vessels resulting in increased circulation to the affected parts. Most horses respond to this treatment. Isoxsuprine lasts for a given duration and treatment is done repeatedly as required.
Unresponsive cases may also be handled using chemical blocking agents instead of surgery. The chemical renders the nerve in question ineffective for a period ranging from two to four months. It is injected periodically in the same place in horses that do not respond to drug therapy. It is advisable to avoid surgery as much as possible due to further complications associated with it.
To conclude, the condition is not terminal. It is caused by a combination of decreased blood flow and trauma amongst other factors. Horse owners should protect their animals from developing the condition since it has no permanent cure. They should not allow them to overfeed. They should ensure proper shoeing and consult an expert when in doubt.
Diagnosis is based on radiographic and clinical signs. Clinical symptoms mean that a vet bases on what is seen during physical examination whereas radiographic signs entails checking x-ray photos of the hoof. X-rays are important since they help rule out other possible causes of lameness in horses. During examination the vet looks for certain signs such as the horse landing on its heels at the expense of the toes.
Quarterhorses and thoroughbreds are some of the examples that are prone to the condition, although other breeds also get affected. The two breeds are vulnerable to navicular syndrome since they are heavyweight animals standing on comparatively tiny feet. This implies that they exert too much pressure on forelimbs. The disorder mostly occurs between 7 to 14 years, though it may develop at any stage or age.
Visible symptoms present themselves in form of one forelimb being smaller than its twin. This happens because the animal puts no or less weight on that particular limb for long. Low blood flow can also account for contracted foot. While at rest a sick horse tends to alter its weight repeatedly. In doing so it eases strain, which causes pain on the frog parts. Bearing much pressure on toes cause the shoulders to have a lame appearance.
Hoof testers are applied alongside other techniques. The tool applies strain over the frog area and the animal flinches as a result of pain if the hoof is diseased. A vet notes the reaction of the horse when the tool is used on the back and front foot. Another method entails injecting anesthesia, which temporarily relieves pain. The pain maybe originating within the navicular area in case the horse walks in normal manner following the injection if it were lame before.
There are several ways of correcting this problem depending on the extend of infection. Drug therapy involving use of Isoxsuprine is common. The drug dilates or expands blood vessels resulting in increased circulation to the affected parts. Most horses respond to this treatment. Isoxsuprine lasts for a given duration and treatment is done repeatedly as required.
Unresponsive cases may also be handled using chemical blocking agents instead of surgery. The chemical renders the nerve in question ineffective for a period ranging from two to four months. It is injected periodically in the same place in horses that do not respond to drug therapy. It is advisable to avoid surgery as much as possible due to further complications associated with it.
To conclude, the condition is not terminal. It is caused by a combination of decreased blood flow and trauma amongst other factors. Horse owners should protect their animals from developing the condition since it has no permanent cure. They should not allow them to overfeed. They should ensure proper shoeing and consult an expert when in doubt.
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