Navicular disease is a chronic illness that commonly affects the forelimbs of athletic horses. Although the exact etiology is largely unknown, it is believed that it is the result of many factors that culminate in the degeneration of the navicular bone, one of the components of the foot. Not only does the condition reduce competitiveness, it is also associated with marked pain. In this article, we will explore some important aspects of navicular disease in horses.
The disease has a gradual onset and initially manifests with intermittent lameness. Since both anterior limbs are usually affected simultaneously, it may go unnoticed for some time. One of the earliest instances that the problem is suspected is during a lunge. Preforming a nerve block on one of the limbs helps to confirm or rule out the problem. Flexing the distal forelimbs may exacerbate the lameness transiently.
There are several factors that have been established to predispose to the condition. Conformational abnormalities relating to the hoofs are one of the commonest problems. Those at the greatest risk are narrow, upright, small or have long toes. With such abnormalities, the distribution of weight through the feet is uneven. Some of the tarsal bones such as the navicular bone are progressively damaged leading to lameness.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Improper shoes are another common predisposing factor. This has been evidenced by the fact that the problem is way common in domesticated horses as compared to those in the world. Improper shoes may prevent expansion of the feet during movement leading to fractures in some bones and ischemia to some tissues due to impaired blood flow. The solution to this is barefoot trimming.
There are several treatments that can be considered. These are broadly classified into conservative and surgical options. One of the conservative options that are used is NSAID administration. These group of drugs reduce the pain considerably when used but may lead to undesired side effects. Kidney and gastrointestinal system injury are well documented side effects. They can be minimized by interrupting the treatment intermittently.
Steroids are also effective for the management of chronic pain especially if NSAIDs have failed to yield positive results. These are typically administered into the bursa around the navicular bone. An average of 4 months of treatment provides symptomatic relief in at least 80% of affected animals. The main side effect of administering these drugs is increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are a number of surgical options available. What is worth noting is that surgery is not a cure; it merely eases the pain especially if all other options are ineffective. The other advantage is that it improves competitiveness. One of the types performed commonly is known as palmer digital neurectomy.
The disease has a gradual onset and initially manifests with intermittent lameness. Since both anterior limbs are usually affected simultaneously, it may go unnoticed for some time. One of the earliest instances that the problem is suspected is during a lunge. Preforming a nerve block on one of the limbs helps to confirm or rule out the problem. Flexing the distal forelimbs may exacerbate the lameness transiently.
There are several factors that have been established to predispose to the condition. Conformational abnormalities relating to the hoofs are one of the commonest problems. Those at the greatest risk are narrow, upright, small or have long toes. With such abnormalities, the distribution of weight through the feet is uneven. Some of the tarsal bones such as the navicular bone are progressively damaged leading to lameness.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Improper shoes are another common predisposing factor. This has been evidenced by the fact that the problem is way common in domesticated horses as compared to those in the world. Improper shoes may prevent expansion of the feet during movement leading to fractures in some bones and ischemia to some tissues due to impaired blood flow. The solution to this is barefoot trimming.
There are several treatments that can be considered. These are broadly classified into conservative and surgical options. One of the conservative options that are used is NSAID administration. These group of drugs reduce the pain considerably when used but may lead to undesired side effects. Kidney and gastrointestinal system injury are well documented side effects. They can be minimized by interrupting the treatment intermittently.
Steroids are also effective for the management of chronic pain especially if NSAIDs have failed to yield positive results. These are typically administered into the bursa around the navicular bone. An average of 4 months of treatment provides symptomatic relief in at least 80% of affected animals. The main side effect of administering these drugs is increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are a number of surgical options available. What is worth noting is that surgery is not a cure; it merely eases the pain especially if all other options are ineffective. The other advantage is that it improves competitiveness. One of the types performed commonly is known as palmer digital neurectomy.
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