Monday, October 19, 2015

Things To Know About Navicular Syndrome In Horses

By Mattie Knight


Many sports lovers and farmers are keeping horses. For any reasons, it is only good to take good care of every perspective to maintain their health. Sometimes, owners watch them walking with difficulties. Though many causes lead to this, the most common issue to think of is the Navicular syndrome in horses.

The primary cause of this condition at present is not known. However, any damage related to the Navicular bone might occur as a result of interference with the supply of blood. Trauma is also known to cause this problem. Damage might happen to the deep tendon and ligament that lead to pain and lameness. The young ones are not prone to this disease. In most cases, those which are more than five years are affected most.

To detect this condition, watch the animal and the symptoms shown. First, the condition mostly affects the front feet. This causes lameness such that walking becomes an issue. Even to those which walk, they walk slowly. Sometimes, the lameness occurs often. When the stallion is exercised on hard grounds and in small circles, it is affected. One foot might be affected more than the other, with causing more pain.

A veterinarian does diagnosis and treatment. Here, they look at the health history, the signs, radiography and the nerve blocks on the feet. If lameness comes and goes, this is a good sign that Navicular condition is coming. Affected animals place their feet first on the ground to support the weight on their heels. A proper treatment to alleviate pain involves injecting anesthetic into the nerves.

When the stallion suffers from the disease, they shy away from it because they do not know the best way to treat it. In the recent years, scientists have done their part to learn about the syndrome. Today, veterinarians and owners know the different conditions that affect the anatomy. Some can be cured, but others will not. Recognizing the early signs helps to choose options that treat the problem.

Navicular is not terminal because it can be managed. Having early treatment and interventions, coupled with best health care practices restore the health back. Using different procedures for the treatment makes the stallions walk comfortably. This disease is similar to athletics foot in human and therefore, it means proper treatment will cure the problem.

The best thing to do when symptoms appear involves calling a veterinary officer to offer treatment. Though treatment is done, curing it sometimes proves difficult. The veterinary officers carry out corrective trimming and shoeing. These procedures level the hooves and give balance. Sometimes, rolled toe egg bars are used to encourage early break. There are medicines injected to correct the problem.

The best way to help these animals is to do early prevention. Since different foot shapes are affected, it is good to maintain foot balance and heel support. This prevents foot lameness. A fetlock flexion testing is also carried out. If the problem is worsening, the veterinarian will have no option but recommending foot surgery to help restore the health.




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