Basics Of Navicular Syndrome In Horses

By Lena Stephenson


Caudal heel pain syndrome is a progressive condition that affects the hoof structure in horses. Navicular syndrome is linked to the distal sesamoid or navicular bone. Navicular bones are tiny and are found deep in the hooves. They are at the posterior junctions of the short pasterns and coffin bones.

The disease is characterized with a lot of pain due to changes in the position of bursa, ligaments, tendons and bones. Partial lameness, which worsens with time, is observed among animals suffering from the disorder. The pain is experienced in the fore feet making the horse want to reduce strain placed on them as much as they can. While resting, the most painful hoof is normally held ahead of the other.

The other signs of the disease include difficulties when negotiating sharp corners. It also becomes difficult for the animal to walk on rocky ground besides being unable to go downhill. The condition makes the animal uncooperative when being shoed or trimmed since this involves picking up one fore foot while putting pressure on the other hoof supporting the animal. Once, the strain is placed on one hoof the animal feels pain, hence the resistance.

The disorder can affect any type of horse as there is no guarantee that certain breeds do not get affected. Even though, the disease is common in stock type horses like quarter, appaloosas, and paints horses. The condition is worse in thoroughbreds and warmblood horses. On contrary, Arabian breeds hardly suffer from the disorder. Body weight contributes to caudal heel pain as an overweight animal exerts too much pressure exerted on the musculoskeletal system.

The pain reduces with rest but worsens with more work. Once the disorder is determined by a qualified vet the affected horses should be given proper treatment. Treatment may be include altering the schedule or have the horse operated on. Shoeing with shoes having a square shape or trimming the toes is a possible remedy. When this is doing the strain put on the hoof reduces greatly.

Medical prescription involves administering anti-inflammatory medicines such as phenylbutazone. Pentoxifyline, isoxsuprine, and metrenperone are some of the vasodilator drugs applied to increase flow of blood to the painful parts. Administering some drugs is not allowed if the animal is participating in some competitions. Basing on this reason, it is better to check with a highly qualified veterinary prior to giving any medication.

Surgical technique to caudal heel pain syndrome requires neurectomy. Neurectomy is the transection of digital nerve in the low pastern part and hindering its growth the as much as possible. The operation can be achieved using two approaches. The first process includes chopping the nerve with a blade or operating using surgery laser. Each process is applied only if considered important and reduces possibilities of complications.

Neurectomy is not cure rather it is a technique that removes the pain when every method has failed. It is not a long-lasting solution as it might have to be repeated at some time. Compilations can arise from this technique though this is rear. Neuroma is the commonest complication.it is a painful tumor, which grows at the tip of transected nerve.




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