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.
Navicular syndrome, in other places known to as navicular disease, is an infection that culminates in inflammation of the navicular bone of a horse. Inflammatory process could also spread to tissues surrounding the bone. As a result of inflammation, degeneration may occur. This condition is common with the front feet. Poor prognosis could result to lameness. The navicular bone is situated on the back of coffin bone in the horses limb. A number of ligaments and tendons attach this bone. Deep digital flexor tendon and the impar ligament are examples.
Currently, there has be no proof of a single cause of this disease. There are only theories suggesting its cause. The first theory suggest it is due to compression of this bone. Repeated compression of this bone and the deep digital flexor results to degeneration of the cartilage. The main role of a cartilage is to absorb shock on the joint. Degeneration therefore results to erosion thus increased friction.
Exertion of stress or tension onto the bone and cartilages is what the second theory suggest to cause this condition. They perform a lot of activities. In the process, they exert a lot of tension on the bones and ligaments. This may lead to inflammation in addition to disruption of blood supply. These combined together can result to navicular syndrome.
There are several contributing factors to this disease. Conformation of the horses feet is the first factor. Some conformations including long toe, low heel conformation contribute to this syndrome. This is because they exert tension or stress on the navicular bone. Poor hoof shape, an inherited condition is also said to be 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.
Type of work the horse does and the weight of the horse contributes to this condition. Strenuous activity on sloppy areas leads to excessive tension on the bone. Also, if the ratio of body size to feet is high, this means the upper part is heavy resulting to tension on the bones.
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.
Navicular syndrome, in other places known to as navicular disease, is an infection that culminates in inflammation of the navicular bone of a horse. Inflammatory process could also spread to tissues surrounding the bone. As a result of inflammation, degeneration may occur. This condition is common with the front feet. Poor prognosis could result to lameness. The navicular bone is situated on the back of coffin bone in the horses limb. A number of ligaments and tendons attach this bone. Deep digital flexor tendon and the impar ligament are examples.
Currently, there has be no proof of a single cause of this disease. There are only theories suggesting its cause. The first theory suggest it is due to compression of this bone. Repeated compression of this bone and the deep digital flexor results to degeneration of the cartilage. The main role of a cartilage is to absorb shock on the joint. Degeneration therefore results to erosion thus increased friction.
Exertion of stress or tension onto the bone and cartilages is what the second theory suggest to cause this condition. They perform a lot of activities. In the process, they exert a lot of tension on the bones and ligaments. This may lead to inflammation in addition to disruption of blood supply. These combined together can result to navicular syndrome.
There are several contributing factors to this disease. Conformation of the horses feet is the first factor. Some conformations including long toe, low heel conformation contribute to this syndrome. This is because they exert tension or stress on the navicular bone. Poor hoof shape, an inherited condition is also said to be 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.
Type of work the horse does and the weight of the horse contributes to this condition. Strenuous activity on sloppy areas leads to excessive tension on the bone. Also, if the ratio of body size to feet is high, this means the upper part is heavy resulting to tension on the bones.
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.
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