Navicular disease is a chronic illness that commonly affects the forelimbs of athletic horses. Although the exact etiology is largely unknown, it is believed that it is the result of many factors that culminate in the degeneration of the navicular bone, one of the components of the foot. Not only does the condition reduce competitiveness, it is also associated with marked pain. In this article, we will explore some important aspects of navicular disease in horses.
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.
It has been demonstrated through research that there are a number of conformational defects that increase the risk of suffering from this problem. Some of the problems include small feet, long toes, and upright pasterns. All these disorders are associated with abnormal pressure distribution especially during movement. There is, in addition, an increased probability of damage to the tarsal bones over time.
Horses that race on hard irregular ground are at a high risk. Such ground has been shown to increase the stress that is exerted on tendons and bones of the feet. The same may happen if your animal spends time in the standing position for prolonged periods. In this position, a lot of weight is transmitted through the feet leading to increased damage to the bones and tendons.
Improper fitting shoes are a known cause of damage to feet. This has been affirmed by the fact that the incidence of this problem is higher in domesticated horses compared to those living freely in the wild. Metallic shoes do not allow for expansion of the toes during movement. This impairs the flow of blood into the tarsal ligaments and bones. Barefoot trimming and proper shoe section can help reduce this problem.
There are several treatments that can be considered. These are broadly classified into conservative and surgical options. One of the conservative options that are used is NSAID administration. These group of drugs reduce the pain considerably when used but may lead to undesired side effects. Kidney and gastrointestinal system injury are well documented side effects. They can be minimized by interrupting the treatment intermittently.
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 surgical procedures that may be performed but only as a last resort. It should be emphasized that these surgical operations will by no means cure the condition; they only provide symptomatic relief. One of those that are commonly performed is known as palmer digital neurectomy. Apart from relieving pain, this operation helps to improve competitiveness.
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.
It has been demonstrated through research that there are a number of conformational defects that increase the risk of suffering from this problem. Some of the problems include small feet, long toes, and upright pasterns. All these disorders are associated with abnormal pressure distribution especially during movement. There is, in addition, an increased probability of damage to the tarsal bones over time.
Horses that race on hard irregular ground are at a high risk. Such ground has been shown to increase the stress that is exerted on tendons and bones of the feet. The same may happen if your animal spends time in the standing position for prolonged periods. In this position, a lot of weight is transmitted through the feet leading to increased damage to the bones and tendons.
Improper fitting shoes are a known cause of damage to feet. This has been affirmed by the fact that the incidence of this problem is higher in domesticated horses compared to those living freely in the wild. Metallic shoes do not allow for expansion of the toes during movement. This impairs the flow of blood into the tarsal ligaments and bones. Barefoot trimming and proper shoe section can help reduce this problem.
There are several treatments that can be considered. These are broadly classified into conservative and surgical options. One of the conservative options that are used is NSAID administration. These group of drugs reduce the pain considerably when used but may lead to undesired side effects. Kidney and gastrointestinal system injury are well documented side effects. They can be minimized by interrupting the treatment intermittently.
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 surgical procedures that may be performed but only as a last resort. It should be emphasized that these surgical operations will by no means cure the condition; they only provide symptomatic relief. One of those that are commonly performed is known as palmer digital neurectomy. Apart from relieving pain, this operation helps to improve competitiveness.
