Human beings have horses as their favorites. This is because they benefit them all round. Many people, even those who own horses may not be aware that they are affected by a series of diseases. Major causes being their exposure and interactions with a lot of organisms. Horses also live under controlled conditions which may not be favorable for them. There is an endless list of diseases affecting horses. Navicular syndrome in horses is just but one to mention.
Also referred to as navicular disease, navicular syndrome is a disease which involves inflammatory process on the navicular bone. The surrounding tissues could also be affected. Inflammation may result to degeneration of these tissues. The front feet is commonly affected. Lameness could be the end result of this situation. The area on the hoof, posterior to the coffin bone in the limb of a horse is the navicular area. Several ligaments and tendons attach to this area. These include deep digital flexor and impar ligament. They aid in strengthening the bone.
There are many theories suggesting the causes of this infection. However, there is no single proven cause. Compression of the bone under the connecting tendon is the first factor thought to be causing this syndrome. Due to compression occurring repeatedly, degeneration of the cartilage occurs. Due to this, erosion of cartilage occurs which is the shock observing matter in the joint.
The second theory faults the stress and tension present in the ligaments to be causing this condition. As you are aware, they experience a lot of strenuous exercises. As a result, there is buildup of tension on the ligaments which may result to inflammation. This could also have an impact on blood supply of the hoof.
There are several contributing factors to this disease. Conformation of the horses feet is the first factor. Some conformations including long toe, low heel conformation contribute to this syndrome. This is because they exert tension or stress on the navicular bone. Poor hoof shape, an inherited condition is also said to be a contributing factor.
Moving on, how the hoof is trimmed and the type of shoe it uses also contributes to this condition. Metal shoe is not good for horses. This is because they limit the normal expansion and contraction of the hoof as the horse moves. They therefore impair blood supply to lower parts. This results to inflammation of the affected parts.
The nature of work and weight of the horse also have an impact. Excessive work on hills leads to tension on the bone. Also, exercise on rugged grounds increases the risk of developing the disease. Regarding the body weight, those with a large body weight directly exert stress on the hoofs. Navicular bone being affected directly.
Heel pain which leads to tip toeing, changes in appearance of hoof or even lameness are the most common signs and symptoms of this disease. The remedy to this include good trimming practices, proper care for hoofs, reduction in exercises and medications. If all this fail, surgery is the last option.
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