The Basics Of Navicular Pain

By Alta Alexander


Re-occurring set of symptoms is what is known as syndrome. Navicular syndrome is the other term used instead of navicular pain. The disorder usually affects horses. An animal with this condition can be nursed or treated back to its previous level of performance. Most horse owners have a tendency of believing that horses suffering from navicular disease are useless when it is not true. Effective treatment is possible if the condition is diagnosed in good time.

Identification of the cause of the problem is based on radiographic views and clinical symptoms. By going for the signs it means that a vet focuses on what is visible during examination while radiographic views involve x-rays snaps of the hooves. X-ray photos are crucial because they help in ruling out other probable causes of lameness. During inspection the vet goes for particular signs like if the animal lands on its heels instead of toes.

Quarterhorses and thoroughbreds breeds are suffer most from this condition, even though other breeds also suffer from this condition. The two breeds are susceptible to navicular disorders as they are heavyweights supported by relatively tiny feet. This results in them exerting excess pressure on their forelimbs. The disorder is prevalent at 14 to 7 years, even though it can develop at any stage.

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.

A hoof tester is used together with other techniques. The tool puts strain over the frog areas and the horse winces because of pain if the hooves are diseased. The medic notes the response of the horse when the tester is applied on its fore and back limbs. The other technique is about injecting anesthesia, which temporarily stops pain. The pain might be originating from navicular parts should the animal walk in normal manner after injection were it was previously lame.

Vets have many techniques of handling the problem according to the level of infection. Isoxsuprine drug is commonly given under drug medication. It widens vessels transporting blood leading to increased flow to the troubled region. The possibility of most horses responding to this treatment is high. The effect of Isoxsuprine lasts for a specific period after which it has to be re-administered.

Unresponsive occurrences can be addressed by use of chemical blocking agents if surgery is to be avoided. The agents make the nerve injected functionless up to 2 months or 4 months. It is administered after a given duration through the same spot to animals that fail to respond to drug therapies. It is good to delay any form of surgery because of their unforeseen adverse side effects.

To finish, the disorder is not untreatable. It comes about as a result of combined factors such as trauma and poor blood flow among others. Horse owners must protect their horses from developing this condition because it does not go away once it sets in. They must not overfeed them. They must make sure the shoeing is proper and consult professionals if in doubt.




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