Please enable JavaScript to access this page. Medicine And Fitness: Facts About Navicular Disease In Horses

Facts About Navicular Disease In Horses


Through the years, horses have proved themselves to be one of the most helpful domestic animal known to man. If dogs are used for hunting wild animals, horses have been used for transportation services and other means of travel. Equines are also used to control herds. They are even used in police force in pursuit of a criminal back when police cars were not yet thought of.

Today, the most popular quadruped has taken on a different purpose for the public. They are, at present, used for shows, competitions and just for a leisurely walk around very spacious open areas. Superior pedigree quadrupeds are up for the admiration of a swooning crowd during horse dressage. All these gallops, trots and walks can put the hooves on a strain, and can result to navicular disease in horses.

This particular disease is brought about by the inflammation of the navicula, the bone which is located right in the middle of the hoof. This little piece of bone is located snugly on top of the deep digital flexor tendon of each foot. The bone itself is degenerating, and may cause lameness if not treated well and right.

There are really no exact reasons why this particular disease hits quadrupeds. Experts on equine care have their own theories and discussions as to why this happens, as here are some of their calculated guesses. One is overexertion. Lack of rest, as they are to stand all day long, can cause heavy strain on the feet of quadrupeds. Horses with bigger body mass also tend to develop navicular syndrome, as the hooves struggle to support all the extra weight.

Old age plays a role in the progression of the said illness, but it is not really a major factor. This certain disease usually afflicts equines who are at their prime, at their working age of seven to nine years old. Some even develop this problem in as early as only three years of age.

The metal fixes on the hooves of most horses can also alleviate the said condition. Horse shoes are believed to be causing irregular blood flow to the certain part of the body of the horse, leading to complications. The hoof is supposed to contract and expand along with the horse as it grows, so the wrong fit will inhibit the hoof to do that.

If the horse normally travels on areas that are too rocky and could possibly uneven, the chances of developing navicular disease also increase. Steep hills and sloped ranges cause the horse to give more effort, resulting in hoof disorder. Make your horse work or travel along areas that are conducive for trotting along. For those who are participating in equestrian sports, all the high jumps and gallops that a horse makes will also affect the navicula negatively.

If the beasts are showing signs of lameness, then that could be a giveaway that there is something wrong with its body. The first plan of action an owner should do is to have the shoe examined. It should be adjusted so that it will be more comfortable for the quadruped to walk. Others even suggest putting in a small pad to increase the measure of the angle.

You can also try a more medically inclined concept for the said problem. It is found out that most anti inflammatory drugs can somehow help. Just make sure that these do not contain steroids, in adherence to the rules laid out by AHSA.

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