Caudal heel pain syndrome refers to a degenerative disorder of the structure of hoof of a horse. Navicular syndrome is particularly associated with the navicular bone, which is sometimes known as distal sesamoid bone. Distal sesamoid bone is small and is set deeply within the hoof. It is as the posterior junction of the short pastern and coffin bones.
The disorder is characterized with pain as a result of changes in the alignment of tendons, ligaments, bones, and bursa. Mild lameness that worsens overtime is common among horses suffering from the disease. The pain is felt in the front feet making the animal want to reduce pressure applied on them as much as possible. When at rest the most painful foot is usually held slightly in front of the other.
The other signs of the disease include difficulties when negotiating sharp corners. It also becomes difficult for the animal to walk on rocky ground besides being unable to go downhill. The condition makes the animal uncooperative when being shoed or trimmed since this involves picking up one fore foot while putting pressure on the other hoof supporting the animal. Once, the strain is placed on one hoof the animal feels pain, hence the resistance.
There is no guarantee that particular breeds of horses do not develop the problem. Although, the problem is common in stock type horses such as appaloosas, paints, and quarter horses. Warmblood horses and thoroughbreds are also likely to suffer from this condition. On the other hand, Arabian horse is rarely affected by the disease. The weight of the animal could lead to this syndrome because overweight horses put excess strain on their musculoskeletal system.
The pain worsens with work and reduces if the animal is allowed more resting time. Affected animals have to be treated once the problem is established by a certified veterinary. Treatment can be in form of changes in schedule or surgery. Trimming and using square toe shoes could help the animal much. Doing so reduces the strain placed on front feet.
Medical treatment includes administration of anti-inflammatory drugs like phenylbutazone. Vasodilator drugs such as pentoxifyline, metrenperone, and isoxsuprine are used to increase blood flow to the affected areas. Application of some drugs is not allowed if the horse is to take part in certain competitions. For this reason, it is good to consult with a certified veterinary before administering any drug.
Surgical approach to navicular disease involves digital neurectomy. Neurectomy involves transecting the digital nerve within the lower pastern area and prolonging its growth as long as possible. The surgery can be performed using two approaches. The first approach includes transecting the nerve using a scalpel blade or performing the surgery using high-tech operation laser. Either approach is used when deemed necessary and also to minimize complications.
Neurectomy is not treatment rather it is a procedure that eliminates the pain when everything else has failed. It is not a permanent solution as it may have to be repeated after sometime. Compilations may arise from this procedure although this is not common. Formation of neuromas is the most common complication. Neuromas are painful tumors, which grow at the tip of cut nerve.
The disorder is characterized with pain as a result of changes in the alignment of tendons, ligaments, bones, and bursa. Mild lameness that worsens overtime is common among horses suffering from the disease. The pain is felt in the front feet making the animal want to reduce pressure applied on them as much as possible. When at rest the most painful foot is usually held slightly in front of the other.
The other signs of the disease include difficulties when negotiating sharp corners. It also becomes difficult for the animal to walk on rocky ground besides being unable to go downhill. The condition makes the animal uncooperative when being shoed or trimmed since this involves picking up one fore foot while putting pressure on the other hoof supporting the animal. Once, the strain is placed on one hoof the animal feels pain, hence the resistance.
There is no guarantee that particular breeds of horses do not develop the problem. Although, the problem is common in stock type horses such as appaloosas, paints, and quarter horses. Warmblood horses and thoroughbreds are also likely to suffer from this condition. On the other hand, Arabian horse is rarely affected by the disease. The weight of the animal could lead to this syndrome because overweight horses put excess strain on their musculoskeletal system.
The pain worsens with work and reduces if the animal is allowed more resting time. Affected animals have to be treated once the problem is established by a certified veterinary. Treatment can be in form of changes in schedule or surgery. Trimming and using square toe shoes could help the animal much. Doing so reduces the strain placed on front feet.
Medical treatment includes administration of anti-inflammatory drugs like phenylbutazone. Vasodilator drugs such as pentoxifyline, metrenperone, and isoxsuprine are used to increase blood flow to the affected areas. Application of some drugs is not allowed if the horse is to take part in certain competitions. For this reason, it is good to consult with a certified veterinary before administering any drug.
Surgical approach to navicular disease involves digital neurectomy. Neurectomy involves transecting the digital nerve within the lower pastern area and prolonging its growth as long as possible. The surgery can be performed using two approaches. The first approach includes transecting the nerve using a scalpel blade or performing the surgery using high-tech operation laser. Either approach is used when deemed necessary and also to minimize complications.
Neurectomy is not treatment rather it is a procedure that eliminates the pain when everything else has failed. It is not a permanent solution as it may have to be repeated after sometime. Compilations may arise from this procedure although this is not common. Formation of neuromas is the most common complication. Neuromas are painful tumors, which grow at the tip of cut nerve.
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