The navicular bone is one of the tarsal bones in humans and other animals located in the ankle region. It lies between the talus and cuneiform bones. Understanding the anatomy of the foot is vital for one to institute proper management of navicular disease in horses. This condition is caused by damage to the bone and its supportive structures. The effect of this is progressive lameness primarily in the forefeet.
The cause of this condition is not clear but there are a number of theories that exist. One of this theories purports that the disease is the result of repetitive movements of the bone and the surrounding structures. This is what is used to explain the high prevalence of the condition among horses that take part in competitive races. Diet and genetic disorders are the other major contributing factors.
The resultant inflammation reduces blood flow to the ankle. The other effect is an increase in pressure in the heel. Pain sets in and horses start exhibiting lameness. The lameness is intermittent at first but becomes more constant with time. Horses start having a tip-toeing gait as they attempt to shift the pressure onto the anterior aspect. Stumbling will be seen every now and then.
There are a number of conformational defects that serve as a risk factor for the disease. Most of the known defects increase the risk of concussion and by extension, bone damage. Narrow feet, small feet and long toes are all examples of conformations that increase pressure on the tarsal bones. This effect is multiplied several times during movement due to the large amount of shock produced.
Working on hard, irregular terrains is considered a major risk factor. Such terrain places a huge amount of stress on the main tendons and increases wear and tear. If this happens for a sustained period of time, the navicular bone may be exposed. This risk is also present among horses that spend a long time in an upright position. In the standing position, a lot of weight is transmitted through the hooves.
Improper shoe selection is a well-known cause of lameness. The problem is commoner among domesticated than in wild horses. Some experts have, for this reason, proposed barefoot trimming. It is argued that bare feet allow for contraction and expansion during movement. This does not happen when metallic shoes are worn. Consequently, blood flow is better in bare feet.
There are very many causes of this problem and as such the treatments are not uniform. For instance, when the causative agent is a degenerative change, only supportive treatment is given. Reversal of the damage is virtually impossible. Proper trimming of feet helps to achieve biomechanical and neurological balance. Exercise should be reduced as much as possible.
Drugs also have a role to play. Drugs known as vasodilators help to maintain the patency of blood vessels and maintain blood flow to the affected regions. Other groups of drugs that have been shown to have beneficial effects include gallium nitrate, bisphosphonates, corticosteroids and NSAIDS. Surgery is performed when all the other conservative measures have proved futile.
The cause of this condition is not clear but there are a number of theories that exist. One of this theories purports that the disease is the result of repetitive movements of the bone and the surrounding structures. This is what is used to explain the high prevalence of the condition among horses that take part in competitive races. Diet and genetic disorders are the other major contributing factors.
The resultant inflammation reduces blood flow to the ankle. The other effect is an increase in pressure in the heel. Pain sets in and horses start exhibiting lameness. The lameness is intermittent at first but becomes more constant with time. Horses start having a tip-toeing gait as they attempt to shift the pressure onto the anterior aspect. Stumbling will be seen every now and then.
There are a number of conformational defects that serve as a risk factor for the disease. Most of the known defects increase the risk of concussion and by extension, bone damage. Narrow feet, small feet and long toes are all examples of conformations that increase pressure on the tarsal bones. This effect is multiplied several times during movement due to the large amount of shock produced.
Working on hard, irregular terrains is considered a major risk factor. Such terrain places a huge amount of stress on the main tendons and increases wear and tear. If this happens for a sustained period of time, the navicular bone may be exposed. This risk is also present among horses that spend a long time in an upright position. In the standing position, a lot of weight is transmitted through the hooves.
Improper shoe selection is a well-known cause of lameness. The problem is commoner among domesticated than in wild horses. Some experts have, for this reason, proposed barefoot trimming. It is argued that bare feet allow for contraction and expansion during movement. This does not happen when metallic shoes are worn. Consequently, blood flow is better in bare feet.
There are very many causes of this problem and as such the treatments are not uniform. For instance, when the causative agent is a degenerative change, only supportive treatment is given. Reversal of the damage is virtually impossible. Proper trimming of feet helps to achieve biomechanical and neurological balance. Exercise should be reduced as much as possible.
Drugs also have a role to play. Drugs known as vasodilators help to maintain the patency of blood vessels and maintain blood flow to the affected regions. Other groups of drugs that have been shown to have beneficial effects include gallium nitrate, bisphosphonates, corticosteroids and NSAIDS. Surgery is performed when all the other conservative measures have proved futile.
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