Owning a horse is a very big privilege, as well as being quite expensive. Most owners like to keep their animals in private boarding barns where they can be cared for to a high standard. It is also much more convenient than trying to do all the work themselves. Between busy work schedules, family and other commitments it can be difficult enough to find the time to ride.
Keeping their horse in the very best of health is a number one priority for every owner. Navicular disease in horses is one of the most feared conditions as it often leads to permanent lameness that renders the horse useless. Unfortunately the condition is surprisingly common and affects many thousands of animals every year.
Anatomically the horses fetlock joint is very similar to the human ankle. There are a number of small bones that are prone to damage and degeneration. For a horse the disintegration of the navicular bone is particularly devastating. Damage can be seen on x rays and also by the use of simple nerve blocks. In most cases getting a diagnosis is fairly routine, but in a few cases the horse will present with a completely different set of symptoms.
In the milder cases the horse can usually continue with light work. The age at which the animal develops his first symptoms is crucial. Typically the younger the horse, the more severe the outcome. If a three or four year old horse presents with classic symptoms, they will progress rapidly and the animal will be unfit for work. However, if the horse is ten or twelve years old the outcome is much more favorable.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
The majority of horses will show significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. The anti inflammatory drugs will help to increase the blood flow to the affected bone and this will reduce the pain. In addition, the animal can receive additional medication for pain. After the doses have been established the horse can return to light work.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
Many horses are able to continue in light to moderate exercise after they have been diagnosed. However, in some severe cases the animal will never be sound again and will have to be retired.
Keeping their horse in the very best of health is a number one priority for every owner. Navicular disease in horses is one of the most feared conditions as it often leads to permanent lameness that renders the horse useless. Unfortunately the condition is surprisingly common and affects many thousands of animals every year.
Anatomically the horses fetlock joint is very similar to the human ankle. There are a number of small bones that are prone to damage and degeneration. For a horse the disintegration of the navicular bone is particularly devastating. Damage can be seen on x rays and also by the use of simple nerve blocks. In most cases getting a diagnosis is fairly routine, but in a few cases the horse will present with a completely different set of symptoms.
In the milder cases the horse can usually continue with light work. The age at which the animal develops his first symptoms is crucial. Typically the younger the horse, the more severe the outcome. If a three or four year old horse presents with classic symptoms, they will progress rapidly and the animal will be unfit for work. However, if the horse is ten or twelve years old the outcome is much more favorable.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
The majority of horses will show significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. The anti inflammatory drugs will help to increase the blood flow to the affected bone and this will reduce the pain. In addition, the animal can receive additional medication for pain. After the doses have been established the horse can return to light work.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
Many horses are able to continue in light to moderate exercise after they have been diagnosed. However, in some severe cases the animal will never be sound again and will have to be retired.
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