Buying a horse is a very significant purchase. Good competition animals are very expensive. Before buying a new horse it is vital to have the animal properly checked out by an experienced equine veterinarian. This will include a comprehensive lameness examination. The horse will be trotted up on a hard surface and checked for any signs of lameness.
Even the most experienced of owners usually like to keep their animals at a good boarding barn. This will allow for twenty four hour care and attention. Good barn owners will be very vigilant to any signs of a problem, but especially to signs of navicular disease in horses. This condition is well known and documented as it often results in permanent lameness and the end of the animals working life.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
One of the first signs that the horse is developing the condition is a vague lameness in the front feet. At first this many be very subtle. It may seem to come and go and might improve with rest. However, as time goes on the horse will get progressively worse until it is time to consult a veterinarian. In most cases a diagnosis is fairly routine.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
The majority of horses will show significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. The anti inflammatory drugs will help to increase the blood flow to the affected bone and this will reduce the pain. In addition, the animal can receive additional medication for pain. After the doses have been established the horse can return to light work.
Those horses that do not respond to treatment may need to be retired from all work. In some severe cases surgery may be the only practical answer. However, before going ahead the owners must understand that the success rate is limited and the recovery time is quite substantial.
Before buying a horse it is important to check the animals blood lines. Navicular is often transmitted from parent to offspring. If the mother or father had the condition, there is a strong possibility that the foals will eventually develop it too.
Even the most experienced of owners usually like to keep their animals at a good boarding barn. This will allow for twenty four hour care and attention. Good barn owners will be very vigilant to any signs of a problem, but especially to signs of navicular disease in horses. This condition is well known and documented as it often results in permanent lameness and the end of the animals working life.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
One of the first signs that the horse is developing the condition is a vague lameness in the front feet. At first this many be very subtle. It may seem to come and go and might improve with rest. However, as time goes on the horse will get progressively worse until it is time to consult a veterinarian. In most cases a diagnosis is fairly routine.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
The majority of horses will show significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. The anti inflammatory drugs will help to increase the blood flow to the affected bone and this will reduce the pain. In addition, the animal can receive additional medication for pain. After the doses have been established the horse can return to light work.
Those horses that do not respond to treatment may need to be retired from all work. In some severe cases surgery may be the only practical answer. However, before going ahead the owners must understand that the success rate is limited and the recovery time is quite substantial.
Before buying a horse it is important to check the animals blood lines. Navicular is often transmitted from parent to offspring. If the mother or father had the condition, there is a strong possibility that the foals will eventually develop it too.
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