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 disease has a gradual onset and initially manifests with intermittent lameness. Since both anterior limbs are usually affected simultaneously, it may go unnoticed for some time. One of the earliest instances that the problem is suspected is during a lunge. Preforming a nerve block on one of the limbs helps to confirm or rule out the problem. Flexing the distal forelimbs may exacerbate the lameness transiently.
There are several factors that have been established to predispose to the condition. Conformational abnormalities relating to the hoofs are one of the commonest problems. Those at the greatest risk are narrow, upright, small or have long toes. With such abnormalities, the distribution of weight through the feet is uneven. Some of the tarsal bones such as the navicular bone are progressively damaged leading to lameness.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Wrong shoe size is another possible predisposing factor. This has been established following a study involving domestic and wild horses. In this study it has been shown that the problem is more prevalent among domestic than wild horses most likely due to running shoes. The shoes prevent expansion of feet during running and contribute to gradual destruction of navicular bones. Barefoot trimming may help in some cases.
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 are also effective for the management of chronic pain especially if NSAIDs have failed to yield positive results. These are typically administered into the bursa around the navicular bone. An average of 4 months of treatment provides symptomatic relief in at least 80% of affected animals. The main side effect of administering these drugs is increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are several types of surgeries that can be performed. It should be emphasized that surgery merely provides relief but not cure. Surgery may also improve competitiveness. Palmer digital neurectomy is the commonest type of surgery that is performed.
The disease has a gradual onset and initially manifests with intermittent lameness. Since both anterior limbs are usually affected simultaneously, it may go unnoticed for some time. One of the earliest instances that the problem is suspected is during a lunge. Preforming a nerve block on one of the limbs helps to confirm or rule out the problem. Flexing the distal forelimbs may exacerbate the lameness transiently.
There are several factors that have been established to predispose to the condition. Conformational abnormalities relating to the hoofs are one of the commonest problems. Those at the greatest risk are narrow, upright, small or have long toes. With such abnormalities, the distribution of weight through the feet is uneven. Some of the tarsal bones such as the navicular bone are progressively damaged leading to lameness.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Wrong shoe size is another possible predisposing factor. This has been established following a study involving domestic and wild horses. In this study it has been shown that the problem is more prevalent among domestic than wild horses most likely due to running shoes. The shoes prevent expansion of feet during running and contribute to gradual destruction of navicular bones. Barefoot trimming may help in some cases.
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 are also effective for the management of chronic pain especially if NSAIDs have failed to yield positive results. These are typically administered into the bursa around the navicular bone. An average of 4 months of treatment provides symptomatic relief in at least 80% of affected animals. The main side effect of administering these drugs is increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are several types of surgeries that can be performed. It should be emphasized that surgery merely provides relief but not cure. Surgery may also improve competitiveness. Palmer digital neurectomy is the commonest type of surgery that is performed.
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