Recurring group of symptoms is what is referred to as syndrome. Navicular pain is also known as navicular syndrome. Horses with this condition can be treated and nursed back to their initial levels of performance. Most people believe that a horse diagnosed with this condition cannot run when in reality this is not true. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.
Diagnosis is based on radiographic and clinical signs. Clinical symptoms mean that a vet bases on what is seen during physical examination whereas radiographic signs entails checking x-ray photos of the hoof. X-rays are important since they help rule out other possible causes of lameness in horses. During examination the vet looks for certain signs such as the horse landing on its heels at the expense of the toes.
Quarterhorses and thoroughbreds breeds are suffer most from this condition, even though other breeds also suffer from this condition. The two breeds are susceptible to navicular disorders as they are heavyweights supported by relatively tiny feet. This results in them exerting excess pressure on their forelimbs. The disorder is prevalent at 14 to 7 years, even though it can develop at any stage.
Physical symptoms manifest themselves in form of one foot being tinier than its front twin. This is brought about by the animal putting no or less strain on that particular foot for long. The other cause for contracted foot is low blood flow. While at rest affected animals normally alter their weight repeatedly. In doing so they ease strain, which results in pain on the heel parts. Placing pressure on toes cause the shoulders to appear lame.
Hoof testers are used alongside other methods. This tool applies pressure over the frog region and the horse flinches due to pain if its hoof is affected. A vet compares the reaction of the animal when the tester is applied on the front and back foot. Another technique involves injection of anesthetic that relieves pain temporarily. The pain maybe raising within the navicular region if the animal walks normally after the injection if it was lame before.
Vets have many techniques of handling the problem according to the level of infection. Isoxsuprine drug is commonly given under drug medication. It widens vessels transporting blood leading to increased flow to the troubled region. The possibility of most horses responding to this treatment is high. The effect of Isoxsuprine lasts for a specific period after which it has to be re-administered.
Unresponsive cases may also be handled using chemical blocking agents instead of surgery. The chemical renders the nerve in question ineffective for a period ranging from two to four months. It is injected periodically in the same place in horses that do not respond to drug therapy. It is advisable to avoid surgery as much as possible due to further complications associated with it.
To conclude, the condition is not terminal. It is caused by a combination of decreased blood flow and trauma amongst other factors. Horse owners should protect their animals from developing the condition since it has no permanent cure. They should not allow them to overfeed. They should ensure proper shoeing and consult an expert when in doubt.
Diagnosis is based on radiographic and clinical signs. Clinical symptoms mean that a vet bases on what is seen during physical examination whereas radiographic signs entails checking x-ray photos of the hoof. X-rays are important since they help rule out other possible causes of lameness in horses. During examination the vet looks for certain signs such as the horse landing on its heels at the expense of the toes.
Quarterhorses and thoroughbreds breeds are suffer most from this condition, even though other breeds also suffer from this condition. The two breeds are susceptible to navicular disorders as they are heavyweights supported by relatively tiny feet. This results in them exerting excess pressure on their forelimbs. The disorder is prevalent at 14 to 7 years, even though it can develop at any stage.
Physical symptoms manifest themselves in form of one foot being tinier than its front twin. This is brought about by the animal putting no or less strain on that particular foot for long. The other cause for contracted foot is low blood flow. While at rest affected animals normally alter their weight repeatedly. In doing so they ease strain, which results in pain on the heel parts. Placing pressure on toes cause the shoulders to appear lame.
Hoof testers are used alongside other methods. This tool applies pressure over the frog region and the horse flinches due to pain if its hoof is affected. A vet compares the reaction of the animal when the tester is applied on the front and back foot. Another technique involves injection of anesthetic that relieves pain temporarily. The pain maybe raising within the navicular region if the animal walks normally after the injection if it was lame before.
Vets have many techniques of handling the problem according to the level of infection. Isoxsuprine drug is commonly given under drug medication. It widens vessels transporting blood leading to increased flow to the troubled region. The possibility of most horses responding to this treatment is high. The effect of Isoxsuprine lasts for a specific period after which it has to be re-administered.
Unresponsive cases may also be handled using chemical blocking agents instead of surgery. The chemical renders the nerve in question ineffective for a period ranging from two to four months. It is injected periodically in the same place in horses that do not respond to drug therapy. It is advisable to avoid surgery as much as possible due to further complications associated with it.
To conclude, the condition is not terminal. It is caused by a combination of decreased blood flow and trauma amongst other factors. Horse owners should protect their animals from developing the condition since it has no permanent cure. They should not allow them to overfeed. They should ensure proper shoeing and consult an expert when in doubt.
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