The Signs Of Navicular Syndrome In Horses

By Janine Hughes


It is a condition that affects the navicular bone which is situated in the feet of horses. Navicular syndrome in horses is caused by pressure and tension on the bone leading to its abrasion. The wear and tear causes much pain to horses resulting to reduced performance and maybe retiring. The following factors are causes for this condition.

Feebleness is one of the signs of this condition in affected horses. With time, the sign becomes more visible and the animal starts becoming weak while walking. Thus, if there is a suspicion that an animal is affected by this deadly syndrome, it is quite worth it checking on this specific sign in the animal.

Movements of the horse experiencing the critical condition is totally difficult. This is due to the pain that is caused by the tension and much pressure and compression in the bone. Any attempt by the horse to reduce pressure causes unsteady and funny movements. Speculation of the disease should also be followed by checking out on how the animal moves.

When the animal is at rest and has succumbed to the syndrome, it experiences no joy at this position due to the pressure on the area where the navicular bone is located which causes pain. To counter this, the animal tries to keep the foot on a pointed position which helps to reduce pressure and concentrate it on the other. Such pointed resting position by the animal should be considered a symptom of the ailment.

Other commons signs include shortened stumbling which is most visible when the animals is moving downhill. This is because, the topography of such areas is not even forcing the animal to tense and strain making it more painful. To relieve itself, it starts with the front toe instead of the entire heel to reduce pressure and pain at the same time. Those stiff and short strides can be a real signal of the effects of the navicular menace.

Never is it easy for victims with the syndrome to navigate. Example taking sharp corners or moving on a rocky surrounding. All this is due to the much pressure created due to these actions. That pressure tends to increase the pain of the horse and therefore poor navigation comes in as a handy signal of the disease.

Some activities carried out to the horse involve lifting of the limbs to either trim or shoe the hooves. It is very painful for the horse to lift any limb with this condition. It responds to this by being very uncooperative to the exercise. If any conditions of restlessness are observed, the animal should be checked to test the presence of this disease.

The above are signs of the effects of this disease. It is a condition that causes a lot of discomfort in horses and reduces their overall performance in work. Once they are pointed out, necessary actions should be taken to ensure proper care and maintenance is administered before the condition deteriorates and causes early retirement of horses.




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