Horses are among mans most favorite animal. They are used for a variety of functions. Though many people may not be aware of this, horses are affected by a lot of diseases. This is because of their environment since they are tamed and lived in control conditions and other interactions which exposes them to these diseases. There are many known infections affecting horses. This article will concentrate on navicular syndrome in horses.
Also referred to as navicular disease, navicular syndrome is a disease which involves inflammatory process on the navicular bone. The surrounding tissues could also be affected. Inflammation may result to degeneration of these tissues. The front feet is commonly affected. Lameness could be the end result of this situation. The area on the hoof, posterior to the coffin bone in the limb of a horse is the navicular area. Several ligaments and tendons attach to this area. These include deep digital flexor and impar ligament. They aid in strengthening the bone.
There are many theories suggesting the causes of this infection. However, there is no single proven cause. Compression of the bone under the connecting tendon is the first factor thought to be causing this syndrome. Due to compression occurring repeatedly, degeneration of the cartilage occurs. Due to this, erosion of cartilage occurs which is the shock observing matter in the joint.
Tension on the ligaments supporting the said bone is the other factor thought to cause this disease. Some experts believe that due to strenuous frequent activities by the horses, tension builds up on the ligaments causing strain and inflammation. This also affects blood supply to the affected area.
Apart from causes, there are various factors that contribute to this condition. How the hoof is conformed is the first factor. Some hoof conformation for instance low toe, low heel conformation may contribute to this condition. Inappropriate conformation of the hoof exert a lot of stress on the hoof bone. An inherited condition of poor hoof shape is also a contributing factor.
Other contributing factors include shoeing and how the horse is trimmed. Basically, the hoof of a horse usually expands and contracts during movements. This is important in ensuring sufficient blood supply. Use of metal shoes for example does not give space for this movements thus inhibits blood flow resulting to inflammation.
Work and the body weight of a horse are other contributing factors. Working on steep hills or jumping contribute to this disease. This is because they exert stress on the bone. Regular exercise on irregular grounds also increases the risk of getting this syndrome. Those with high weight to foot size ratio have increased chances of getting the disease. This is due to stress on the foot.
Heel pain which leads to tip toeing, changes in appearance of hoof or even lameness are the most common signs and symptoms of this disease. The remedy to this include good trimming practices, proper care for hoofs, reduction in exercises and medications. If all this fail, surgery is the last option.
Also referred to as navicular disease, navicular syndrome is a disease which involves inflammatory process on the navicular bone. The surrounding tissues could also be affected. Inflammation may result to degeneration of these tissues. The front feet is commonly affected. Lameness could be the end result of this situation. The area on the hoof, posterior to the coffin bone in the limb of a horse is the navicular area. Several ligaments and tendons attach to this area. These include deep digital flexor and impar ligament. They aid in strengthening the bone.
There are many theories suggesting the causes of this infection. However, there is no single proven cause. Compression of the bone under the connecting tendon is the first factor thought to be causing this syndrome. Due to compression occurring repeatedly, degeneration of the cartilage occurs. Due to this, erosion of cartilage occurs which is the shock observing matter in the joint.
Tension on the ligaments supporting the said bone is the other factor thought to cause this disease. Some experts believe that due to strenuous frequent activities by the horses, tension builds up on the ligaments causing strain and inflammation. This also affects blood supply to the affected area.
Apart from causes, there are various factors that contribute to this condition. How the hoof is conformed is the first factor. Some hoof conformation for instance low toe, low heel conformation may contribute to this condition. Inappropriate conformation of the hoof exert a lot of stress on the hoof bone. An inherited condition of poor hoof shape is also a contributing factor.
Other contributing factors include shoeing and how the horse is trimmed. Basically, the hoof of a horse usually expands and contracts during movements. This is important in ensuring sufficient blood supply. Use of metal shoes for example does not give space for this movements thus inhibits blood flow resulting to inflammation.
Work and the body weight of a horse are other contributing factors. Working on steep hills or jumping contribute to this disease. This is because they exert stress on the bone. Regular exercise on irregular grounds also increases the risk of getting this syndrome. Those with high weight to foot size ratio have increased chances of getting the disease. This is due to stress on the foot.
Heel pain which leads to tip toeing, changes in appearance of hoof or even lameness are the most common signs and symptoms of this disease. The remedy to this include good trimming practices, proper care for hoofs, reduction in exercises and medications. If all this fail, surgery is the last option.
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment