How To Manage Navicular Syndrome

By Dora Reed


This syndrome is also usually referred to as the navicular disease. It is a soundness issue that affects horses in general. This disease affects the front feet of the horse usually, that is the bone and tissue around it too. Navicular syndrome causes inflammatory sensations and can lead to deformation of bones. This later on leads to lameness of the horse.

A number of causes have been associated with this disease. Compression tendencies are one of these causes. Excessive compressive forces acting upon the ligaments and other tissues make them to degenerate. With time they lose form and the animal starts experiencing trouble while moving. Continued deformation causes the cartilage to erode and hence pain is felt.

Another known cause for this disease is tension. This tension causes strain to the tendons and ligaments in feet. In reaction to the strain they thicken and hence interfere with blood circulation. Continued failure in blood circulation starts tissue deformation. And eventually the animal starts experiencing problems in its movement.

A number of other factors also cause this condition in horses. These range from the weight of a horse, shoeing and work on steep terrain. Horses with large weights and yet small foot sizes are at risk mostly. Improper fitting of horse shoes and bad trimming are also known to cause the illness. Just like human shoes, one has to be very careful when choosing horse shoes.

The particular syndrome shows a number of pain related signs and symptoms. Due to the pain in particular heels, these horses attempt to tiptoe in their movements. These animals also experience inability to move with time. And if not managed, lameness kicks in. This starts off as a slight disorder but with time it worsens. This eventually hinders their movement and hence their usefulness ceases to exist.

So far no one treatment can be used to cure this disease. However a good number of effective treatments can be used. Trimming is advised for affected animals. A well-trimmed and shaped hoof can be all it takes to set the horse free. With proper trimming, the tension is eased and hence the disease is managed. This is a very effective yet highly affordable remedy.

Regular exercising of the horses is also very crucial. Here the animal is allowed to have frequent light runs so as to keep fit. There is also the application of corrective shoes. These are shoes used to correct the feet size and shape. They enhance blood circulation in a foot. It is also healthy for the horses to sometimes go without the shoes. This allows for good circulation too.

Use of vasodilators is also advised. These instruments help in widening blood vessels and hence proper blood movement. Anticoagulants are also crucial in enabling healthy blood flow in the body of a horse especially the legs. These are all very helpful medications for the disease. Eventually in acute cases of the illness, it is advised that one seeks surgical solutions. This is considered as a last option due to the side effects involved.




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