Navicular means a progressive degenerative condition in horses, involving the navicular bone. The navicular bone is located in the hoof behind the coffin bone. This degenerative condition also does affect the bursa and tendons. The condition cannot be classified as a disease according to researchers. It is rather a syndrome of many or one abnormality. The abnormality usually occurs in one or both front feet of the animal. This is what Navicular disease in horses is all about.
Some time back, it was hard to locate exactly where the navicular bone was located in the feet of horses. That made it hard to learn more about the condition. However, as technology continued to develop, it became easier to locate with a high precision the exact location of the bone. Changes that lead to the development of the condition are also easily identifiable with the use of better technology.
The use of MRI scanning makes it possible to study the anatomy of the feet much better. It is now well understood that there are several medical conditions that can affect different anatomical parts of a horse. Whereas some of these medical conditions can be treated completely, some remain difficult to treat. Also, certain breeds of horses have been known to be at a higher probability of experiencing the condition.
The development of the condition is often caused by the age factor. The condition worsens as the animal ages. Since horses of today live longer, the condition can grow to very bad levels. It is therefore essential to diagnose the condition early and know the treatment options available.
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.
Some of the horse breeds which are well known for developing the condition more often are thoroughbreds, warmbloods, and quarter horses. The problem develops in horses normally while they are within the age range of between 7 and 14 years. Other factors which expose horses to the condition are underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, broken forward/backward hoof axis and contracted heels.
To both front feet, the degree to which this condition occurs normally varies. One foot is normally affected compared to the other in most cases. This is easier to notice as it causes lameness in one foot. When the animal is negotiating very tight corners, one can easily notice the lameness in one foot. The horses which are affected seem to swap legs while going around tight circles.
The pain usually occurs in the heel area. That usually causes animals to land in a toe-to-heel fashion as opposed to the normal heel-to-toe fashion. The animal does this in order to avoid pain that is associated with normal landing. This subtle signs may be hard to notice, especially for beginners. As such, to help make the process easier, one should record the horse on video and play it in slow-motion so as to catch the signs.
Some time back, it was hard to locate exactly where the navicular bone was located in the feet of horses. That made it hard to learn more about the condition. However, as technology continued to develop, it became easier to locate with a high precision the exact location of the bone. Changes that lead to the development of the condition are also easily identifiable with the use of better technology.
The use of MRI scanning makes it possible to study the anatomy of the feet much better. It is now well understood that there are several medical conditions that can affect different anatomical parts of a horse. Whereas some of these medical conditions can be treated completely, some remain difficult to treat. Also, certain breeds of horses have been known to be at a higher probability of experiencing the condition.
The development of the condition is often caused by the age factor. The condition worsens as the animal ages. Since horses of today live longer, the condition can grow to very bad levels. It is therefore essential to diagnose the condition early and know the treatment options available.
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.
Some of the horse breeds which are well known for developing the condition more often are thoroughbreds, warmbloods, and quarter horses. The problem develops in horses normally while they are within the age range of between 7 and 14 years. Other factors which expose horses to the condition are underrun heels, disproportionally small feet, broken forward/backward hoof axis and contracted heels.
To both front feet, the degree to which this condition occurs normally varies. One foot is normally affected compared to the other in most cases. This is easier to notice as it causes lameness in one foot. When the animal is negotiating very tight corners, one can easily notice the lameness in one foot. The horses which are affected seem to swap legs while going around tight circles.
The pain usually occurs in the heel area. That usually causes animals to land in a toe-to-heel fashion as opposed to the normal heel-to-toe fashion. The animal does this in order to avoid pain that is associated with normal landing. This subtle signs may be hard to notice, especially for beginners. As such, to help make the process easier, one should record the horse on video and play it in slow-motion so as to catch the signs.
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