Horses are part of economic activity in many areas of the world. They may be used to assist in manual labor, for transport, or in entertainment. However, they are live animals and so they suffer from physical illnesses and injuries, just like people do. A common equine problems is navicular syndrome, which leads to lameness and even premature retirement.
The navicular bone is situated at the bottom of the equine foot, in the heel. The syndrome is caused by the inflammation of this bone and usually involves its supportive tissue as well. This is most commonly associated with the animal's front feet. The condition makes the horse move with difficulty or not at all. It also involves significant pain.
People have been trying to find the exact explanation for this syndrome for some time. There are various factors at play, such as the size and shape of the hooves, the use or absence of horse shoes, the technique used to shoe the horses, and the type of activity that the horse is used in. None of these factors has been established as the sole reason, but they all seem to be involved to some extent.
The size of the hooves is important in assessing the syndrome. Horses with a high mass-to-hoof proportion (high weight, small feet), can potentially suffer from the condition. This is self-explanatory, since the animal's weight stresses its skeleto-muscular system. Obese human patients sometimes present with skeletal strain or joint trouble for the same reason. The horse's pedigree is therefore related to this possibility.
Horse shoes are not always used, but the syndrome's prevalence among wild horses rules them out as a confirmed cause. However, if they are in use, they need to be the right size and they should also be fitted correctly. Otherwise, they may indeed cause trouble. The hooves should be trimmed properly too.
The nature of the horse's tasks needs to be assessed. Pack animals subjected to heavy burdens and those active on extreme gradients, such as mountains, are at a higher risk of getting injured. Ironically, animals which spend a significant amount of time in stationary positions, such as stabled race or show horses, also develop navicular trouble. This is because they cannot shift their weight off their hooves or balance themselves differently, as they do when in motion. Horses spending too much time in stalls sometimes develop lameness as a result.
Possible treatments for the syndrome rely on the full scope of equine medical practice. Sometimes, different trimming or shoeing of the hooves is effective. One option might be to go without shoes permanently. Modification of the animal's duties is necessary, either in the interim or indefinitely. Medication and surgery are also possible, but they are more drastic interventions and may have serious complications. Horses do not always recover completely and may not be able to perform the same tasks after treatment.
People who use or work with horses should try to understand this syndrome. It is a source of pain and it should never be ignored. The horse's career may continue with proper treatment, despite diminished activity. Even if horses don't get wages, they also do the over-time.
The navicular bone is situated at the bottom of the equine foot, in the heel. The syndrome is caused by the inflammation of this bone and usually involves its supportive tissue as well. This is most commonly associated with the animal's front feet. The condition makes the horse move with difficulty or not at all. It also involves significant pain.
People have been trying to find the exact explanation for this syndrome for some time. There are various factors at play, such as the size and shape of the hooves, the use or absence of horse shoes, the technique used to shoe the horses, and the type of activity that the horse is used in. None of these factors has been established as the sole reason, but they all seem to be involved to some extent.
The size of the hooves is important in assessing the syndrome. Horses with a high mass-to-hoof proportion (high weight, small feet), can potentially suffer from the condition. This is self-explanatory, since the animal's weight stresses its skeleto-muscular system. Obese human patients sometimes present with skeletal strain or joint trouble for the same reason. The horse's pedigree is therefore related to this possibility.
Horse shoes are not always used, but the syndrome's prevalence among wild horses rules them out as a confirmed cause. However, if they are in use, they need to be the right size and they should also be fitted correctly. Otherwise, they may indeed cause trouble. The hooves should be trimmed properly too.
The nature of the horse's tasks needs to be assessed. Pack animals subjected to heavy burdens and those active on extreme gradients, such as mountains, are at a higher risk of getting injured. Ironically, animals which spend a significant amount of time in stationary positions, such as stabled race or show horses, also develop navicular trouble. This is because they cannot shift their weight off their hooves or balance themselves differently, as they do when in motion. Horses spending too much time in stalls sometimes develop lameness as a result.
Possible treatments for the syndrome rely on the full scope of equine medical practice. Sometimes, different trimming or shoeing of the hooves is effective. One option might be to go without shoes permanently. Modification of the animal's duties is necessary, either in the interim or indefinitely. Medication and surgery are also possible, but they are more drastic interventions and may have serious complications. Horses do not always recover completely and may not be able to perform the same tasks after treatment.
People who use or work with horses should try to understand this syndrome. It is a source of pain and it should never be ignored. The horse's career may continue with proper treatment, despite diminished activity. Even if horses don't get wages, they also do the over-time.
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