Solution For Navicular Disease In Horses

By Olivia Cross


For the last few years, various interested veterinarians have created theories and treatment methods that involve our domesticated animals. Navicular disease in horses has been a major bother and has created a reasonable attention for a period. The veterinarians involved has resulted in giving this disease various sort of names, but the accepted vernacular name that is widely known is caudal heel pain. It is always a setback to see your close pet or domestic animal diagnosed with this type of disease.

When attending to caudal heel pain the best change to make is to trim and shoeing. The primary objective should be to reduce the deep digital tension at the time when the animal is moving and the pressure that it applies to its heel bone. Another technique that may be used to reduce stress by use of a wedge. There are many options relating to shoes horse that are created to heal caudal pain, so it is paramount for the veterinarian to monitor the animal closely so as to make a proper choice.

Another effective method that is used is the use of the non-steroidal medicine to lower the level of inflammation. This drug is a recommended by a good number of veterinarians who points out that a drug called the phenylbutazone is more active. However, these drugs have been found to cause gastric ulcers because of their side effect. The next best drug and now widely used is the firocoxib, and it has no side effects.

If the primary treatment does not work, the next best option that a veterinarian might suggest is the use of corticosteroid injections, which are done directly on the affected parts. The aim is to reduce the inflammation in the foot and offer some level of soundness for a reasonable period. The injected steroid takes 10 to 14 days to give substantial result

There are other treatments designed for caudal heel pain such as the use of hyaluronic acid and extracorporeal shock wave treatment. Hyaluronic acid is a medication used for injection into the joint or also may be administered intravenously to reduce inflammation around the joint area.

Tilden is a medication that is used to treat human's osteoporosis, which is now gaining popularity in domestic animals that are suspected to have navicular bone resorption. The doctor may administer intravenously or through perfusion of the foot region. Using shock wave therapy, clinicians primary objective is mainly to relieve pain, improve tendon and eventually heal the injury.

It is certain that doctors have available methods to be used at disposal to heal caudal heel pain. One the primary process that has been in use for a couple of years is through severing the nerve system involved in supplying sensation at the foot. This process is also called neurectomy. It is a have been proved to give good results in less than five year.

In conclusion, this disease cannot be termed as terminal. Its primary cause is associated with trauma and reduced blood supply to the foot bone. Treatment should be carried out in clinical and radiographic symptoms. Recently the development in surgical arena has resulted in a number of practitioners options for curing caudal heel pain.




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