The term navicular refers to a progressive degenerative condition in horses that involves navicular bone. This bone is located behind the coffin bone in the hoof. It also affects flexor tendons and bursa. According to researchers, this condition cannot be termed as a disease. Rather, it is a syndrome of one or several abnormalities. These abnormalities occur in one or both front feet of horses. Here are facts regarding Navicular disease in horses.
It was very difficult to locate the exact point where the navicular bone is situated in the feet of horses some time back. That made it difficult to learn more about the condition. Nevertheless, with technological development, it became easier and precise to locate the exact position of the bone. The changes which spearheaded the development of this condition are easy to identify with use of advanced technology.
The use of MRI scans enables improved study of the structure of horse feet. Currently, it is largely understood that a number of medical problems have impact on different parts of the anatomy of a horse. Even though a number of medical problems can be completely treated, a number of them are still hard to treat. Additionally, specific horse breeds are known to be more vulnerable to the condition.
Age is one of the major reasons that lead to the development of this condition in animals. The condition is also known to get worse as the animal continues to age over time. Since horses live much longer today, the condition can become really worse. That is why it is important to diagnose the condition early enough and know what treatment options one has.
As earlier stated, the condition can be caused by various problems. The problems include inflammation, problems with the flexor tendon and injuries to the ligaments supporting the lower feet. The condition affects the animals used in performance sports most. Thus, it is the main factor causing lameness in horses.
Among horse breeds known to contract this problem most are quarter horses, thoroughbreds, and warmbloods. The age bracket in which horses have high changes of developing the condition ranges from 7-14 years. Additional factors that predispoe horses to the ailment include underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, sheared heels broken backward/forward hoof axis and underrun heels.
The degree to which the condition occurs in both front feet varies. In most cases, one foot will be affected more than in the other. This causes lameness in one foot, which is faster to notice. The easiest way to notice lameness is one foot is when the horse is negotiating tight corners. Affected animals tend to swap legs as they negotiate tight circles.
The pain normally affects the heel area. That normally causes the animals not to land in the heel-to-toe fashion but land in a toe-to-heel fashion. The main reason for the animal to do this is to prevent pain. Such signs may be difficult to notice, particularly for those beginning to rear these animals. Due to this, in a plan to simplify the process, one has to record a video of the horse and then play it in slow-motion in order to get a glimpse of the signs.
It was very difficult to locate the exact point where the navicular bone is situated in the feet of horses some time back. That made it difficult to learn more about the condition. Nevertheless, with technological development, it became easier and precise to locate the exact position of the bone. The changes which spearheaded the development of this condition are easy to identify with use of advanced technology.
The use of MRI scans enables improved study of the structure of horse feet. Currently, it is largely understood that a number of medical problems have impact on different parts of the anatomy of a horse. Even though a number of medical problems can be completely treated, a number of them are still hard to treat. Additionally, specific horse breeds are known to be more vulnerable to the condition.
Age is one of the major reasons that lead to the development of this condition in animals. The condition is also known to get worse as the animal continues to age over time. Since horses live much longer today, the condition can become really worse. That is why it is important to diagnose the condition early enough and know what treatment options one has.
As earlier stated, the condition can be caused by various problems. The problems include inflammation, problems with the flexor tendon and injuries to the ligaments supporting the lower feet. The condition affects the animals used in performance sports most. Thus, it is the main factor causing lameness in horses.
Among horse breeds known to contract this problem most are quarter horses, thoroughbreds, and warmbloods. The age bracket in which horses have high changes of developing the condition ranges from 7-14 years. Additional factors that predispoe horses to the ailment include underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, sheared heels broken backward/forward hoof axis and underrun heels.
The degree to which the condition occurs in both front feet varies. In most cases, one foot will be affected more than in the other. This causes lameness in one foot, which is faster to notice. The easiest way to notice lameness is one foot is when the horse is negotiating tight corners. Affected animals tend to swap legs as they negotiate tight circles.
The pain normally affects the heel area. That normally causes the animals not to land in the heel-to-toe fashion but land in a toe-to-heel fashion. The main reason for the animal to do this is to prevent pain. Such signs may be difficult to notice, particularly for those beginning to rear these animals. Due to this, in a plan to simplify the process, one has to record a video of the horse and then play it in slow-motion in order to get a glimpse of the signs.
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