One of the most prevalent causes of lameness in horses, in particular, in riding/performance horses, is the navicular disease. It influences the hoof structures so that they become painful and restrict movement with time.
Some of the signs can be slight, like a reduction in the number of strides or difficulty in moving, but many horse owners may not realize it until the condition deteriorates. Timely knowledge and intervention can contribute a lot to problem preparation.
Being aware of what navicular disease is and when to seek treatment at an animal medical facility will help keep your horse comfortable and healthy in the long run.
What is Navicular Disease
Navicular disease is a condition that involves the navicular bone and toughs that are in the hoof. It grows over time and can be caused by stress, lack of hoof balance, or excessive strain. The condition is more likely to occur in horses that are engaged in severe activities, although this is not limited to, and any horse can develop it.
The inflammation and degeneration caused by the disease cause pain in the heel region. In the long run, this pain influences the movement of the horse and weight bearing.
Common Signs to Watch For
Early symptoms can be identified by visiting an animal medical center, helping to avoid further harm. Navicular disease in horses presents with periodic lameness, particularly when they have been exercised. You can observe a reduced step length or a weight-shuffling behavior between the front paws.
Certain horses do not prefer hard surfaces, or they stumble more often. Postural adjustments, including pointing one foot forward, may also be a sign of discomfort. By being mindful of these signs, you will be able to prevent the condition before it gets serious.
Causes and Risk Factors
Navicular disease is caused by a number of factors. Knowledge of these factors can be used in prevention and control.
- The bad shape of the hooves and unequal distribution of weight may induce load over the navicular region.
- Hard surface repetitive impact is also a risk factor.
- In some instances, genetics might be a contributing factor, and some horses are more likely to suffer the condition.
Horse Navicular Disease Treatment
Navicular disease in horses treatment is aimed at the alleviation of pain and the enhancement of the functional performance of the hooves.
The treatment usually starts with corrective shoeing. Appropriate trimming of the hooves and special shoes will balance the weight and ensure that there is less pressure on the problem areas.
Doctors can prescribe drugs to reduce the inflammation and alleviate pain. They can enhance comfort and increase the freedom of the horse.
In other instances, rest and controlled exercise are introduced to the treatment plan. Shockwave therapy is also used to improve healing in tissues.
Chiropractic, acupuncture, and stem cell therapy can also help with circulation and reduce tension in tissues.
The high-level treatment can encompass the use of injections and other medical interventions based on the complexity of the disease. Early detection, in most cases, has a positive outcome and prevents the progression of the disease.