People who work closely with, or own, horses know the health problems they can develop over time. Navicular disease or syndrome is an example of these ailments. This is used to define a condition of soundness problems in the animal. It may involve degeneration or inflammation of the navicular bone and nearby tissues. Navicular syndrome in horses can lead to other major health conditions, including the problem of disabling lameness.
In order to understand what this syndrome involves, one must first know what the navicular region includes. This bone is positioned posterior to the coffin bone and also underneath the small pastern. The navicular is surrounded by several ligaments that provide it with support.
There is no one cause linked to the occurrence of this syndrome but there are many different theories that exist. Two of the most common beliefs related to compression and tension. Continual compression in this area can create degeneration of cartilage, which eventually leads to reduction in spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to more brittleness and added friction between bones because of the lack of cartilage.
Another potential cause for this is tension that is placed on the ligaments that are around the navicular bone. Some say that the degenerative process starts with the added tension placed on ligaments, which results in straining and inflammation. This can lead to decrease of blood flow to and from the bone.
If blood is obstructed in this manner, it can create pressure buildup within the bone. If there is excess pressure and lack of blood, the bone may start absorbing mineral from within its center which is problematic. Another problem related to tension is exostoses. This is defined as ligaments attaching to the bone to form a canoe-like shape. When tension becomes too much, ligaments may tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
Horses affected by this might have tiptoe gait. That is, they may try walking on the toes to avoid heel pain. Frequent stumbling may also be observed. Lameness might switch between legs and be inconsistent. If the problem persists without attention, the feet might change shape, usually becoming more narrow and upright.
Medication, trimming, hoof care, exercise and surgery are potential options for care. Usually more than one of these solutions is used. Every case is different and so it is essential that animals be in the care of knowledgeable animal doctors. Some changes that are caused by this condition may be irreversible. Still, it should be a priority to give the animal relief from pain and halt the progression of the syndrome.
In order to understand what this syndrome involves, one must first know what the navicular region includes. This bone is positioned posterior to the coffin bone and also underneath the small pastern. The navicular is surrounded by several ligaments that provide it with support.
There is no one cause linked to the occurrence of this syndrome but there are many different theories that exist. Two of the most common beliefs related to compression and tension. Continual compression in this area can create degeneration of cartilage, which eventually leads to reduction in spring and shock absorbency. It could also lead to more brittleness and added friction between bones because of the lack of cartilage.
Another potential cause for this is tension that is placed on the ligaments that are around the navicular bone. Some say that the degenerative process starts with the added tension placed on ligaments, which results in straining and inflammation. This can lead to decrease of blood flow to and from the bone.
If blood is obstructed in this manner, it can create pressure buildup within the bone. If there is excess pressure and lack of blood, the bone may start absorbing mineral from within its center which is problematic. Another problem related to tension is exostoses. This is defined as ligaments attaching to the bone to form a canoe-like shape. When tension becomes too much, ligaments may tear.
Some behaviors or factors can make this problem worse. Body weight, shoeing, conformation and work are all known to contribute to this syndrome in one way or another. In diagnosing this problem, there are certain things to keep an eye on. Heel pain is a common symptom. Lameness also occurs quite frequently in horses with this syndrome. This issue may start off mild and develop into something more serious, even debilitating. These problems are often the result of inflammation and strain on nearby ligaments, increased pressure and reduction of blood flow. DDF tendon and Navicular bursa, as well as erosion of the cartilage, might also become issues.
Horses affected by this might have tiptoe gait. That is, they may try walking on the toes to avoid heel pain. Frequent stumbling may also be observed. Lameness might switch between legs and be inconsistent. If the problem persists without attention, the feet might change shape, usually becoming more narrow and upright.
Medication, trimming, hoof care, exercise and surgery are potential options for care. Usually more than one of these solutions is used. Every case is different and so it is essential that animals be in the care of knowledgeable animal doctors. Some changes that are caused by this condition may be irreversible. Still, it should be a priority to give the animal relief from pain and halt the progression of the syndrome.
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