Those who own or work with horses know that there are various health problems that can develop in these animals. Navicular disease or syndrome is one example. This refers to a condition associated with soundness problems in a horse. It is often recognized as the inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues. Navicular syndrome in horses can produce other notable health problems, such as lameness.
In order to understand what this syndrome involves, one must first know what the navicular region includes. This bone is positioned posterior to the coffin bone and also underneath the small pastern. The navicular is surrounded by several ligaments that provide it with support.
There is not one agree upon cause for this syndrome. Instead, there are many different theories. Two beliefs that are commonly held related to compression and tension. With compression, the issue is the it is continual in this region causing the degeneration of cartilage. This degeneration ultimately leads to lack of much-needed spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to brittleness and major friction between the bones because there is no cartilage as a buffer.
Another potential cause for this is tension that is placed on the ligaments that are around the navicular bone. Some say that the degenerative process starts with the added tension placed on ligaments, which results in straining and inflammation. This can lead to decrease of blood flow to and from the bone.
If blood is obstructed in this manner, it can create pressure buildup within the bone. If there is excess pressure and lack of blood, the bone may start absorbing mineral from within its center which is problematic. Another problem related to tension is exostoses. This is defined as ligaments attaching to the bone to form a canoe-like shape. When tension becomes too much, ligaments may tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
Horses with this problem may have a tiptoe gait. They might even attempt to walk on their toes just to avoid heel pain. One might also recognize a problem with frequent stumbling. Lameness can switch between legs and be otherwise inconsistent. If this problem continues on, the feet might take on a new shape, usually becoming more upright and narrow.
Hoof care, medication, surgery, exercise and trimming can be useful in managing this condition. Typically multiple solutions are employed. Every situation is different and so it is important that horses be put in the care of animal professionals. Some changes that are brought about by the progression of this syndrome cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, it is a top priority for most to get he animal medical attention to relieve pain and slow the progression of this condition.
In order to understand what this syndrome involves, one must first know what the navicular region includes. This bone is positioned posterior to the coffin bone and also underneath the small pastern. The navicular is surrounded by several ligaments that provide it with support.
There is not one agree upon cause for this syndrome. Instead, there are many different theories. Two beliefs that are commonly held related to compression and tension. With compression, the issue is the it is continual in this region causing the degeneration of cartilage. This degeneration ultimately leads to lack of much-needed spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to brittleness and major friction between the bones because there is no cartilage as a buffer.
Another potential cause for this is tension that is placed on the ligaments that are around the navicular bone. Some say that the degenerative process starts with the added tension placed on ligaments, which results in straining and inflammation. This can lead to decrease of blood flow to and from the bone.
If blood is obstructed in this manner, it can create pressure buildup within the bone. If there is excess pressure and lack of blood, the bone may start absorbing mineral from within its center which is problematic. Another problem related to tension is exostoses. This is defined as ligaments attaching to the bone to form a canoe-like shape. When tension becomes too much, ligaments may tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
Horses with this problem may have a tiptoe gait. They might even attempt to walk on their toes just to avoid heel pain. One might also recognize a problem with frequent stumbling. Lameness can switch between legs and be otherwise inconsistent. If this problem continues on, the feet might take on a new shape, usually becoming more upright and narrow.
Hoof care, medication, surgery, exercise and trimming can be useful in managing this condition. Typically multiple solutions are employed. Every situation is different and so it is important that horses be put in the care of animal professionals. Some changes that are brought about by the progression of this syndrome cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, it is a top priority for most to get he animal medical attention to relieve pain and slow the progression of this condition.
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