Owning a horse is a very big privilege, as well as being quite expensive. Most owners like to keep their animals in private boarding barns where they can be cared for to a high standard. It is also much more convenient than trying to do all the work themselves. Between busy work schedules, family and other commitments it can be difficult enough to find the time to ride.
A horse is a valuable animal, especially one that has done well in competition. Owners and trainers dread the thought of navicular disease in horses. This condition is one of the most feared in the industry as it often spells the end of the animals productive life. A horse that is showing a lot of promise as a jumper will have no future once he has been diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
A horse has a very similar anatomy to a human, in that the ankle joint has a significant number of small bones. One of these is called the navicular bone and it is prone to disintegration. No one really knows the cause of this degeneration, but once it begins there is little that can be done to stop it. It is interesting that certain breeds of horse are more prone to the condition than others. It may be because breeds with small hooves and stocky bodies put more stress on the ankle joint.
Occasionally a horse will have a very odd set of symptoms that can really confuse even the most experienced veterinarian. It has been known for an animal to show no signs of front end lameness, instead looking like it has a serious back problem. However on close examination no signs of an actual back issue can be found. In these cases the horse is trying very hard to disguise its lameness by taking all the weight off its front feet.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
Horses who are in pain are often cranky. If a typically happy and laid back horse suddenly becomes miserable or even aggressive it is important to look for a physical cause. A good equine veterinarian should be called in to give the horse a thorough examination and check for any signs of pain or tenderness. The vet will also want to talk with the owner, rider and stable help to get a comprehensive picture of the animals everyday life and any changes that have occurred.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
A number of effective medications are available to treat the symptoms of navicular disease. However, it is important for owners to understand that there is no cure for this condition. It is merely a case of managing the symptoms and keeping the horse comfortable.
A horse is a valuable animal, especially one that has done well in competition. Owners and trainers dread the thought of navicular disease in horses. This condition is one of the most feared in the industry as it often spells the end of the animals productive life. A horse that is showing a lot of promise as a jumper will have no future once he has been diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
A horse has a very similar anatomy to a human, in that the ankle joint has a significant number of small bones. One of these is called the navicular bone and it is prone to disintegration. No one really knows the cause of this degeneration, but once it begins there is little that can be done to stop it. It is interesting that certain breeds of horse are more prone to the condition than others. It may be because breeds with small hooves and stocky bodies put more stress on the ankle joint.
Occasionally a horse will have a very odd set of symptoms that can really confuse even the most experienced veterinarian. It has been known for an animal to show no signs of front end lameness, instead looking like it has a serious back problem. However on close examination no signs of an actual back issue can be found. In these cases the horse is trying very hard to disguise its lameness by taking all the weight off its front feet.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
Horses who are in pain are often cranky. If a typically happy and laid back horse suddenly becomes miserable or even aggressive it is important to look for a physical cause. A good equine veterinarian should be called in to give the horse a thorough examination and check for any signs of pain or tenderness. The vet will also want to talk with the owner, rider and stable help to get a comprehensive picture of the animals everyday life and any changes that have occurred.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
A number of effective medications are available to treat the symptoms of navicular disease. However, it is important for owners to understand that there is no cure for this condition. It is merely a case of managing the symptoms and keeping the horse comfortable.
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