Navicular Syndrome in Horses
Characterized by lameness of both front feet, this disease is often associated with hard work and is almost incurable. Horses suffering from this condition shorten their stride, especially when going downhill. The inflammation of the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues lead to this particular condition referred to as navicular syndrome. It can lead to mild to severe form of lameness.
A horse with navicular syndrome will shorten their pace; place its body weight on the toe so as to avoid pressure on the heels. While walking the horse might stumble frequently. Moreover since the horse avoids pressure on its heels, it will take longer to stop.
If the horse is standing, it will shift its weight continuously as this helps in relieving the pressure and the pain on its heel. The lameness may vanish if the horse is given proper rest. After prolonged pain, the feet may become misshapen, especially the one that was the worst hit.
Diagnosis
Proper diagnosis of navicular disease in very much essential. Contact a veterinary when signs of lameness appear. Hoof testers are used to detect the exact condition of the hoof. If the disease is present in the horse, the animal will start flinching.
Another way of detecting the presence navicular syndrome is by locally injecting anesthetic that temporarily relieves the pain. This way the veterinarian will be able to identify whether the disease exists or not.
Treating navicular syndrome is rather difficult as no single cause has been identified till now. Persistent lameness leads to severe degenerative changes in the horse which are often non-reversible. Once the horse is affected by the disease, focus on relieving the pain and slowing the degenerating process.
Some of the options available for treating navicular disease are as follows
Trimming
Proper neurological and biochemical balance is very much essential. Sometimes the horses have long toes and the heels lack enough strength. Improving the form of the horse hoof is vital.
Hoof Care
It is highly imperative that the horse hoof is taken care of. Accurate shoeing proves beneficial for navicular diseases. Perfect hoof shape and angle are required for managing navicular disease in horses. The shoe is designed in such a fashion so as to lift the heels thereby provide support. Sometimes a flat shoe can come to the rescue as well. Other different kinds of shoes that can be used are, bar type shoe, egg bar shoe or straight bar shoe.Recent studies show that even removing the shoes can help in reducing the symptoms of navicular disease. Careful trimming can help in restoring the natural angle and shape of the hoof.
Exercise
Horses suffering navicular syndrome should have a less intensive work schedule. Swimming and slow walk help in maintaining their fitness. Make sure to reduce the jumping activity of the horse.
Medication
Certain methods of medication are also applicable to cure navicular disease in horses. Drugs available for treating this particular disease are,
· Vasodilators – these help in improving the blood flow.
· Anticoagulants – this also helps in improving the blood flow, however monitoring of the same sometimes makes it unsuitable.
· Bisphophonates – this drug can be made use of in cases where bone remodeling causes pain.
Surgery
Surgery should be the last resort. Plamar Digital Neurectomy is the recommended surgery for navicular syndrome. In this process, the digital nerves are severed. This process should be explored only when all the other options have been tried out.
Another surgery that can be carried out is the Navicular Susupensory Desmotomy where the ligaments that support the navicular bones are severed. The resultant effect is a more mobile navicular bone which reduces the tension of other ligaments.
Navicular Syndrome is a disease that horses get easily affected with. However, if detected in time and proper treatment is carried out, this disease can be cured.