Horse owners and trainers have many things to worry about on a daily basis. Horses are large animals who do a surprisingly good job of taking care of themselves. However, even with the best care and attention they can still become lame. It is these situations, with no obvious injury or cause of the problem that are often the most difficult to diagnose. There are several conditions that owners need to be very aware of and know the signs and symptoms of.
Vigilant day to day care is the best defense against most common problems. The horses should be supervised as much as possible and someone should always be around to keep an eye on things. However, there are some conditions that can occur as a result of inherited weaknesses and also because of trauma to the hoof. Navicular disease is the most common cause of lameness in horses. It is most likely to affect an animal with relatively small feet and a large body.
The bone is prone to damage because of its location in the lower part of the leg, near to the hoof. It also acts as a fulcrum for ligaments and this adds additional stress to the situation. It is also important to know that certain breeds of horse, particularly the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are more prone to developing this condition. This is because they are both large breeds of horse with relatively small feet.
Symptoms will typically strike between the ages of seven and fourteen. Although it is possible for horses as young as four to be seriously affected. The earlier the condition begins the more severe it usually is. A horse who is seriously lame at four or five years old will not have much hope of a working or competitive career. They can sometimes be used as pasture mates or for very light work if they are still safe.
As soon as the horse begins to show signs of lameness it is crucial to call in an experienced veterinarian. They will perform a thorough lameness examination and try to pin down the cause. Navicular is a relatively easy condition to diagnose as it presents with a very typical set of symptoms.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
Once a diagnosis has been made there are a number of treatment options. Most animals respond well to anti inflammatory drugs. These can be powdered up and added to the feed. Most are safe for long term use, but there are restrictions for competition horses and riders need to be aware of these. These drugs can also help increase blood flow in the lower leg and this will also help to relive the symptoms.
The most typical type of corrective shoe has a bar across the heel. This helps to raise the heel to the correct angle, which in turn reduces stress on the bones. Used in conjunction with medication and a careful work schedule many horses can continue with their working lives. A diagnosis of navicular does not need to be the end of a horses useful life.
Vigilant day to day care is the best defense against most common problems. The horses should be supervised as much as possible and someone should always be around to keep an eye on things. However, there are some conditions that can occur as a result of inherited weaknesses and also because of trauma to the hoof. Navicular disease is the most common cause of lameness in horses. It is most likely to affect an animal with relatively small feet and a large body.
The bone is prone to damage because of its location in the lower part of the leg, near to the hoof. It also acts as a fulcrum for ligaments and this adds additional stress to the situation. It is also important to know that certain breeds of horse, particularly the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are more prone to developing this condition. This is because they are both large breeds of horse with relatively small feet.
Symptoms will typically strike between the ages of seven and fourteen. Although it is possible for horses as young as four to be seriously affected. The earlier the condition begins the more severe it usually is. A horse who is seriously lame at four or five years old will not have much hope of a working or competitive career. They can sometimes be used as pasture mates or for very light work if they are still safe.
As soon as the horse begins to show signs of lameness it is crucial to call in an experienced veterinarian. They will perform a thorough lameness examination and try to pin down the cause. Navicular is a relatively easy condition to diagnose as it presents with a very typical set of symptoms.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
Once a diagnosis has been made there are a number of treatment options. Most animals respond well to anti inflammatory drugs. These can be powdered up and added to the feed. Most are safe for long term use, but there are restrictions for competition horses and riders need to be aware of these. These drugs can also help increase blood flow in the lower leg and this will also help to relive the symptoms.
The most typical type of corrective shoe has a bar across the heel. This helps to raise the heel to the correct angle, which in turn reduces stress on the bones. Used in conjunction with medication and a careful work schedule many horses can continue with their working lives. A diagnosis of navicular does not need to be the end of a horses useful life.
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You can visit www.naviculardisease.com for more helpful information about Treatment Options For Navicular Disease.
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