The Signs And Therapeutic Remedies For Navicular Horses

By Cynthia Peterson


The equines are mostly prone to challenging health issues that affect their hoof area due to their vibrant activities they are subjected to. These issues constitute to the navicular horses ailment which is a deteriorative condition that affects the scaphoid bone at the feet region. It assumes a saucer shape and is located at proximate of both the coffin and pastern bones. The malady affects the bursa and the deep digital flexor tendon thus leading to a lame condition and inflammation as well.

The swelling is fueled through wearing and tearing as the horse ages whereas the syndrome is commonly evidenced in nag ones. The lameness can affect all horse breeds. However, the impact is usually seen more in some breeds like the warm-bloods and thoroughbreds among others. Overweight horsey animals with reduced hooves are usually at a higher risk profile of palmar foot pain syndrome and other foot conditions.

Another conforming factor that increases the chances of a steed developing the syndrome is the use of an incorrect pastern angle that does not match with hoof angle. The mismatch causes the deep digital flexor tendon to be stretched excessively as it runs over the navicular bone. This creates an increased pressure on the bone as well as the cushioning bursa and other surrounding structures. The pressure is also caused by delayed hoof trimming and shoes resetting.

The navicular disease mainly affects both front feet but in varied extremes thus resulting in one foot experiencing more pain than the other. This aspect is useful since it enhances easy examination of the same condition. The condition is easily noticed during striding where the horse navigates tight circles with difficulties. This is achieved by examining the foot landing styles.

Radiographing of the affected heel bones may be vital in diagnosing the caudal heel pain syndrome. However, decades of radiographing have failed to show a clear relationship that exists between bone changes and heel pain. Amazingly, developers have pioneered the magnetic resonance imaging which is a more useful process in outlining problems in soft tissues structures surrounding the scaphoid bone.

The syndrome is managed with the aim of easing the pain and minimizing tension in the DDFT. This approach is done by offering the horse a resting period either in a stall or a customized paddock. This enables the painful points to rest and recover. The equines should be reared at an optimal body weight to avoid tension creating at the tendons. Regular hoof cutting should be adopted to establish correct angles of hooves and pastern.

Additionally, therapeutic shoeing also improves horse comfort by enhancing balancing and break over. Some lamed equines benefit from corticosteroid injections at the coffin joint. In some scenarios that are featured by severe and intractable pain, the owners may adopt neurectomy which involves severing the nerves of the affected region. This procedure allows the horse to work without discomfort.

Thus, the horse navicular syndrome is usually a collective of varied symptoms that cause discomfort to the equines. These conditions can be managed accordingly by use of treatment management techniques. They are designed to increase striding comfort and relieving swelling and tension on the affected areas.




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