Navicular disease is a chronic condition that affects particularly those that take part in races. The cause of this problem remains obscure but the common denominator in all cases is destruction of navicular bones and other tarsal bones. The condition significantly reduces the competitiveness of the horse and is associated with considerable pain. We will look at some facts on navicular disease in horses in this article.
The onset of this condition is gradual and characteristically presents with intermittent lameness. When both the anterior and posterior limbs are affected, as happens frequently, making the diagnosis becomes very difficult. This is because the disability on the two limbs cancel out each other. Taking the horse for a lunge might help you notice the abnormality. A more objective way of examining is performing a nerve block in one of the affected limbs.
There are a number of factors that predispose to this problem. Conformational defects within the hoofs of some horses are said to increase the risk of bone damage and concussion. Such will include, for example, small feet, upright pasterns and long toes among others. The problem with such defects is that pressure is not transmitted evenly within all the bones. The navicular bone is particular under increased pressure which causes destruction over time.
Horses that race on hard irregular ground are at a high risk. Such ground has been shown to increase the stress that is exerted on tendons and bones of the feet. The same may happen if your animal spends time in the standing position for prolonged periods. In this position, a lot of weight is transmitted through the feet leading to increased damage to the bones and tendons.
Improper fitting shoes are a known cause of damage to feet. This has been affirmed by the fact that the incidence of this problem is higher in domesticated horses compared to those living freely in the wild. Metallic shoes do not allow for expansion of the toes during movement. This impairs the flow of blood into the tarsal ligaments and bones. Barefoot trimming and proper shoe section can help reduce this problem.
Several treatment options exist. These are categorized as either conservative or invasive (surgical). Conservative options involve proper shoe selection and administration of analgesic drugs. NSAIDs are arguably the most commonly used class of drugs. They provide relief in most affected horses but may lead to some side effects especially in the renal and gastrointestinal systems. Stopping drug administration intermittently helps minimize these side effects.
Steroids should be considered if NSAIDs fail to relieve the pain. The steroids are usually injected into the navicular bursa directly bringing the drug very close to the affected structures. There is reported improvement in up to 80% of affected horses after 4 months of drug administration. The main worry with this mode of administration is an increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are a number of surgical options available. What is worth noting is that surgery is not a cure; it merely eases the pain especially if all other options are ineffective. The other advantage is that it improves competitiveness. One of the types performed commonly is known as palmer digital neurectomy.
The onset of this condition is gradual and characteristically presents with intermittent lameness. When both the anterior and posterior limbs are affected, as happens frequently, making the diagnosis becomes very difficult. This is because the disability on the two limbs cancel out each other. Taking the horse for a lunge might help you notice the abnormality. A more objective way of examining is performing a nerve block in one of the affected limbs.
There are a number of factors that predispose to this problem. Conformational defects within the hoofs of some horses are said to increase the risk of bone damage and concussion. Such will include, for example, small feet, upright pasterns and long toes among others. The problem with such defects is that pressure is not transmitted evenly within all the bones. The navicular bone is particular under increased pressure which causes destruction over time.
Horses that race on hard irregular ground are at a high risk. Such ground has been shown to increase the stress that is exerted on tendons and bones of the feet. The same may happen if your animal spends time in the standing position for prolonged periods. In this position, a lot of weight is transmitted through the feet leading to increased damage to the bones and tendons.
Improper fitting shoes are a known cause of damage to feet. This has been affirmed by the fact that the incidence of this problem is higher in domesticated horses compared to those living freely in the wild. Metallic shoes do not allow for expansion of the toes during movement. This impairs the flow of blood into the tarsal ligaments and bones. Barefoot trimming and proper shoe section can help reduce this problem.
Several treatment options exist. These are categorized as either conservative or invasive (surgical). Conservative options involve proper shoe selection and administration of analgesic drugs. NSAIDs are arguably the most commonly used class of drugs. They provide relief in most affected horses but may lead to some side effects especially in the renal and gastrointestinal systems. Stopping drug administration intermittently helps minimize these side effects.
Steroids should be considered if NSAIDs fail to relieve the pain. The steroids are usually injected into the navicular bursa directly bringing the drug very close to the affected structures. There is reported improvement in up to 80% of affected horses after 4 months of drug administration. The main worry with this mode of administration is an increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are a number of surgical options available. What is worth noting is that surgery is not a cure; it merely eases the pain especially if all other options are ineffective. The other advantage is that it improves competitiveness. One of the types performed commonly is known as palmer digital neurectomy.
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