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.
There are many theories suggesting the causes of this infection. However, there is no single proven cause. Compression of the bone under the connecting tendon is the first factor thought to be causing this syndrome. Due to compression occurring repeatedly, degeneration of the cartilage occurs. Due to this, erosion of cartilage occurs which is the shock observing matter in the joint.
Tension on the ligaments supporting the said bone is the other factor thought to cause this disease. Some experts believe that due to strenuous frequent activities by the horses, tension builds up on the ligaments causing strain and inflammation. This also affects blood supply to the affected area.
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.
Shoeing and trimming of feet is also an identified causal factor. The hoof of a horse is in a way that it expands and contracts when it moves. This aids in facilitating blood supply ensuring adequate circulation. Inappropriate selection of shoes including use of metal shoes does not allow for expansion as it is inflexible. This inhibits blood flow resulting to inflammatory processes.
Work and the body weight of a horse are other contributing factors. Working on steep hills or jumping contribute to this disease. This is because they exert stress on the bone. Regular exercise on irregular grounds also increases the risk of getting this syndrome. Those with high weight to foot size ratio have increased chances of getting the disease. This is due to stress on the foot.
Signs and symptoms of a horse affected by the disease are easy to identify. Pain on the heels which results to limping of the horse is a common one. Hoof changes and lameness are other expected signs. To avoid and treat this, practice good trimming exercises, good care for hoofs, limited exercises and medications are necessary. Surgery is only done if all the above measures fail.
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.
There are many theories suggesting the causes of this infection. However, there is no single proven cause. Compression of the bone under the connecting tendon is the first factor thought to be causing this syndrome. Due to compression occurring repeatedly, degeneration of the cartilage occurs. Due to this, erosion of cartilage occurs which is the shock observing matter in the joint.
Tension on the ligaments supporting the said bone is the other factor thought to cause this disease. Some experts believe that due to strenuous frequent activities by the horses, tension builds up on the ligaments causing strain and inflammation. This also affects blood supply to the affected area.
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.
Shoeing and trimming of feet is also an identified causal factor. The hoof of a horse is in a way that it expands and contracts when it moves. This aids in facilitating blood supply ensuring adequate circulation. Inappropriate selection of shoes including use of metal shoes does not allow for expansion as it is inflexible. This inhibits blood flow resulting to inflammatory processes.
Work and the body weight of a horse are other contributing factors. Working on steep hills or jumping contribute to this disease. This is because they exert stress on the bone. Regular exercise on irregular grounds also increases the risk of getting this syndrome. Those with high weight to foot size ratio have increased chances of getting the disease. This is due to stress on the foot.
Signs and symptoms of a horse affected by the disease are easy to identify. Pain on the heels which results to limping of the horse is a common one. Hoof changes and lameness are other expected signs. To avoid and treat this, practice good trimming exercises, good care for hoofs, limited exercises and medications are necessary. Surgery is only done if all the above measures fail.