It is common to see a horse moving with a limp in its strides. A limp can be caused by simple injury which can be cured simply by administering the right medication. However, not all limps are as a result of injury, some are caused by long-standing medical conditions. Navicular syndrome in horses is a serious condition that normally comes in the form of a group of related diseases.
The condition does not occur beyond navicular bones and tissues and structures that surround them. If treatment is not sought for too long, permanent lameness results. Most cases of permanent lameness today are as a result of this condition. Chances of stopping permanent lameness from occurring in the long-run are still limited even if the problem is discovered in good time and treatment started. In simple words, the disorder is just severe.
The causes of navicular syndrome are way too many to be sure which one is responsible in all cases. The results of some studies indicate that the real causes are unknown while other researchers state that the causes are hereditary. As a result of heredity playing a role, affected stallions cannot be used for purposes of breeding some countries. With the prohibition of affected stallions to breed, there has been a reduction in cases in countries that uphold such laws.
Reduction in blood flow and trauma to the bone are some of the main causes. Blood flow can be reduced due to interference while trauma can result from any cause. The end result is permanent damage caused to ligaments, bursa, and surrounding structures. Lameness that results can be irrecoverable. Animals that are younger than five years are not affected by the problem. The likelihood of occurrence of the problem increased beyond the age of five years.
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition. During early stages, the signs may be harder to notice. The disorder is predominant in front feet, and usually causes low grade lameness. One can notice slight limping in movement. F not corrected, symptoms get worse. Symptoms are characterized by seasonality, only realizable when the animal is walked in circles or on hard ground.
There are cases when the effects are more severe in one foot. In such instances, movement is characterized by an obvious limp. The affected leg is also usually placed in front by the animal because of too much pain being felt. Additionally, the horse never places its full weight on the hurting heels. It prefers standing on toes. To increases chances of a full recovery, treatment and invention efforts should start at this point.
Diagnosis can be done in many different ways. First, one should maintain a record of symptoms observed for a while. The history could be helpful to the veterinarian when making a diagnosis. Radiography is the main method used to confirm if the problem is really extant.
The problem can also be diagnosed through MRI scans. Both methods show any damages done to the bone. However, scans and pictures taken may be interpreted differently by various veterinarians because of difference in opinion. Professionals hold different opinions on what normal bones should appear like.
The condition does not occur beyond navicular bones and tissues and structures that surround them. If treatment is not sought for too long, permanent lameness results. Most cases of permanent lameness today are as a result of this condition. Chances of stopping permanent lameness from occurring in the long-run are still limited even if the problem is discovered in good time and treatment started. In simple words, the disorder is just severe.
The causes of navicular syndrome are way too many to be sure which one is responsible in all cases. The results of some studies indicate that the real causes are unknown while other researchers state that the causes are hereditary. As a result of heredity playing a role, affected stallions cannot be used for purposes of breeding some countries. With the prohibition of affected stallions to breed, there has been a reduction in cases in countries that uphold such laws.
Reduction in blood flow and trauma to the bone are some of the main causes. Blood flow can be reduced due to interference while trauma can result from any cause. The end result is permanent damage caused to ligaments, bursa, and surrounding structures. Lameness that results can be irrecoverable. Animals that are younger than five years are not affected by the problem. The likelihood of occurrence of the problem increased beyond the age of five years.
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition. During early stages, the signs may be harder to notice. The disorder is predominant in front feet, and usually causes low grade lameness. One can notice slight limping in movement. F not corrected, symptoms get worse. Symptoms are characterized by seasonality, only realizable when the animal is walked in circles or on hard ground.
There are cases when the effects are more severe in one foot. In such instances, movement is characterized by an obvious limp. The affected leg is also usually placed in front by the animal because of too much pain being felt. Additionally, the horse never places its full weight on the hurting heels. It prefers standing on toes. To increases chances of a full recovery, treatment and invention efforts should start at this point.
Diagnosis can be done in many different ways. First, one should maintain a record of symptoms observed for a while. The history could be helpful to the veterinarian when making a diagnosis. Radiography is the main method used to confirm if the problem is really extant.
The problem can also be diagnosed through MRI scans. Both methods show any damages done to the bone. However, scans and pictures taken may be interpreted differently by various veterinarians because of difference in opinion. Professionals hold different opinions on what normal bones should appear like.
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