The navicular bone is found in the ankle region between two other bones; the cuneiform and talus. In horses, this bone together with the surrounding supportive structures may degenerate leading to progressive lameness. The front feet are more frequently affected than the hind feet. Understanding the anatomy of the forelimb is important if you are to manage navicular disease successfully.
The cause of this condition is not clear but there are a number of theories that exist. One of this theories purports that the disease is the result of repetitive movements of the bone and the surrounding structures. This is what is used to explain the high prevalence of the condition among horses that take part in competitive races. Diet and genetic disorders are the other major contributing factors.
Inflammation of surrounding ligaments reduces blood flow to the bone and increased pressure in the hoof. The earliest sign is heel pain and lameness follows within days or weeks and progresses in severity over time. Typically, the horses start exhibiting a tip-toeing gait as they attempt to exert pressure on the heel. They lose coordination and stumble frequently. Lameness may affect one or both feet with the second being involved due to overcompensation.
Research has shown that some horses have inherent conformational defects that predispose them to the problem. The defects increase the risk of concussion and bone damage. Some of the defects include narrow and upright fees, upright pasterns, long toes and small feet. With any of these features, the pressure received at the tarsal bones is massive and potentially destructive. During movement, not all the shock is absorbed.
Working on hard, irregular terrains is considered a major risk factor. Such terrain places a huge amount of stress on the main tendons and increases wear and tear. If this happens for a sustained period of time, the navicular bone may be exposed. This risk is also present among horses that spend a long time in an upright position. In the standing position, a lot of weight is transmitted through the hooves.
Poor selection of shoes or trimming is another cause of lameness. This is more common in the domestic horse as compared to that which lives on the wild. There are experts who have proposed the adoption of barefoot trimming among domestic horses. The argument is that the hooves should be allowed to expand and contract during movement. This movement is said to assist in blood flow a feature that is not present when metallic shoes are used.
Due to the many causes that exist, there is no one known treatment. If the cause is due to degenerative changes, reversing the condition is possible. In this case, the treatment given will mainly be supportive and aimed at relieving symptoms. Proper trimming ensures that the foot is in neurological and biomechanical balance. Once the diseases has already established itself the intensity of work should be reduced.
Pharmacotherapy has a role to play. Drugs are used for carefully selected cases. For instance, when blood flow is suspected to have been compromised, vasodilators are administered. They maintain patency of vessels and ensure blood is supplied to the affected areas. Other drugs that help with other aspects of this disease include NSAIDS, gallium nitrate, corticosteroids and bisphosphonates. Surgery is performed for cases that have failed to respond to other treatments.
The cause of this condition is not clear but there are a number of theories that exist. One of this theories purports that the disease is the result of repetitive movements of the bone and the surrounding structures. This is what is used to explain the high prevalence of the condition among horses that take part in competitive races. Diet and genetic disorders are the other major contributing factors.
Inflammation of surrounding ligaments reduces blood flow to the bone and increased pressure in the hoof. The earliest sign is heel pain and lameness follows within days or weeks and progresses in severity over time. Typically, the horses start exhibiting a tip-toeing gait as they attempt to exert pressure on the heel. They lose coordination and stumble frequently. Lameness may affect one or both feet with the second being involved due to overcompensation.
Research has shown that some horses have inherent conformational defects that predispose them to the problem. The defects increase the risk of concussion and bone damage. Some of the defects include narrow and upright fees, upright pasterns, long toes and small feet. With any of these features, the pressure received at the tarsal bones is massive and potentially destructive. During movement, not all the shock is absorbed.
Working on hard, irregular terrains is considered a major risk factor. Such terrain places a huge amount of stress on the main tendons and increases wear and tear. If this happens for a sustained period of time, the navicular bone may be exposed. This risk is also present among horses that spend a long time in an upright position. In the standing position, a lot of weight is transmitted through the hooves.
Poor selection of shoes or trimming is another cause of lameness. This is more common in the domestic horse as compared to that which lives on the wild. There are experts who have proposed the adoption of barefoot trimming among domestic horses. The argument is that the hooves should be allowed to expand and contract during movement. This movement is said to assist in blood flow a feature that is not present when metallic shoes are used.
Due to the many causes that exist, there is no one known treatment. If the cause is due to degenerative changes, reversing the condition is possible. In this case, the treatment given will mainly be supportive and aimed at relieving symptoms. Proper trimming ensures that the foot is in neurological and biomechanical balance. Once the diseases has already established itself the intensity of work should be reduced.
Pharmacotherapy has a role to play. Drugs are used for carefully selected cases. For instance, when blood flow is suspected to have been compromised, vasodilators are administered. They maintain patency of vessels and ensure blood is supplied to the affected areas. Other drugs that help with other aspects of this disease include NSAIDS, gallium nitrate, corticosteroids and bisphosphonates. Surgery is performed for cases that have failed to respond to other treatments.
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