Horse people have good reason to fear the serious condition known as founder. This inflammatory condition is one type of navicular disease which causes lameness and may result in degeneration and deformation of the hoof. The problem is still being researched, but some causes are well known to experienced owners.
'Founder' is an inflammation of the digestive tract stemming from too much rich feed. An animal allowed unlimited access to lush grass can founder, as can one which gets into the feed room and eats a large amount of grain. In these cases, the reaction may be swift, with the horse showing discomfort within hours.
A continual state of overweight contributes to founder and makes horses more likely to develop inflammation and pain in their front feet. The animal will be reluctant to move and may stand with front feet extended, constantly shifting weight from one foot to another. Overweight also puts constant stress on the feet, especially the front ones which carry up to 75% of the horse's weight.
Ponies are more likely to founder on grass than horses, but all of the species is at risk. Owners must keep their animals at a proper weight, since putting a horse on a diet is difficult and can cause anemia. Exercise is important to keep weight down and to increase circulation to the feet.
Another cause of navicular problems is concussion. Pounding on hard ground day after day is not natural for a horse. This condition often affects heavy horses, like warmbloods, who are asked to work and jump on a regular basis. These sport animals can be very talented, which makes this susceptibility unfortunate for both horse and owner. Allowing an animal to reach full maturity before being put into heavy work can help, as can varying work sessions with less strenuous exercise on yielding ground.
Veterinarians also say that navicular problems can be caused by too much standing, as when a horse is confined to a stall. It is best to turn horses out into fields and paddocks where they can move around at will. Race and show horses which are under heavy work and spend the rest of the time in a stall are particularly at risk.
Maintaining the natural shape and balance of the foot is important. Improper trimming and shoeing can cause navicular problems. If toes are too long and heels sloped too far under the foot, strained tendons can pull bones in the foot out of position. This can cause arthritic degeneration inside the foot. Heels should be allowed to spread in a natural way; rigid shoes and contracted heels are thought to contribute to navicular.
Limiting access to rich grass is always wise, especially in spring when the grass is lushest. Feed rooms should be securely locked. Exercise should be regular, not overly strenuous, and on ground that is not too hard. Regular trimming and shoeing (if necessary) by a skilled farrier is important; owners should know enough to be able to judge the quality of the work.
'Founder' is an inflammation of the digestive tract stemming from too much rich feed. An animal allowed unlimited access to lush grass can founder, as can one which gets into the feed room and eats a large amount of grain. In these cases, the reaction may be swift, with the horse showing discomfort within hours.
A continual state of overweight contributes to founder and makes horses more likely to develop inflammation and pain in their front feet. The animal will be reluctant to move and may stand with front feet extended, constantly shifting weight from one foot to another. Overweight also puts constant stress on the feet, especially the front ones which carry up to 75% of the horse's weight.
Ponies are more likely to founder on grass than horses, but all of the species is at risk. Owners must keep their animals at a proper weight, since putting a horse on a diet is difficult and can cause anemia. Exercise is important to keep weight down and to increase circulation to the feet.
Another cause of navicular problems is concussion. Pounding on hard ground day after day is not natural for a horse. This condition often affects heavy horses, like warmbloods, who are asked to work and jump on a regular basis. These sport animals can be very talented, which makes this susceptibility unfortunate for both horse and owner. Allowing an animal to reach full maturity before being put into heavy work can help, as can varying work sessions with less strenuous exercise on yielding ground.
Veterinarians also say that navicular problems can be caused by too much standing, as when a horse is confined to a stall. It is best to turn horses out into fields and paddocks where they can move around at will. Race and show horses which are under heavy work and spend the rest of the time in a stall are particularly at risk.
Maintaining the natural shape and balance of the foot is important. Improper trimming and shoeing can cause navicular problems. If toes are too long and heels sloped too far under the foot, strained tendons can pull bones in the foot out of position. This can cause arthritic degeneration inside the foot. Heels should be allowed to spread in a natural way; rigid shoes and contracted heels are thought to contribute to navicular.
Limiting access to rich grass is always wise, especially in spring when the grass is lushest. Feed rooms should be securely locked. Exercise should be regular, not overly strenuous, and on ground that is not too hard. Regular trimming and shoeing (if necessary) by a skilled farrier is important; owners should know enough to be able to judge the quality of the work.
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