Horses are part of economic activity in many areas of the world. They may be used to assist in manual labor, for transport, or in entertainment. However, they are live animals and so they suffer from physical illnesses and injuries, just like people do. A common equine problems is navicular syndrome, which leads to lameness and even premature retirement.
The navicular bone is located at the base of the horse's foot. It is situated under and behind the other bones. When it becomes swollen, it does so together with its surrounding soft tissue. This usually happens in the horse's front feet. The horse then has limited or no mobility, as the condition is painful and restricts its movement.
Research has been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of this condition. There are several relevant issues, among them the shape and size of hooves, how the horse is employed (i. E. Its lifestyle), and the use of shoes. No specific issue has been identified as the sole or primary cause, but they may all affect the horse's mobility and subsequent problems around that.
The hooves' size and shape is important. Horses with a higher body mass and more diminutive hoof profile, or high weight-to-hoof ratio, may experience injury in the navicular structure. This is due to the obvious skeletal impact of their weight, and the same concept is seen in overweight people who develop premature arthritis or other joint problems. This issue depends to a certain degree on the horse's breed.
There are those who advise against the use of horse shoes. However, navicular inflammation has been seen in wild horses so this is not a definite cause. Where shoes are used, they should be the correct size and they should also be attached properly. Incorrect shoes are a known source of problems. Poor trimming of hooves is another.
The activities of the animal should also be considered. An animal which is used on hard surfaces, such as concrete or roads, or which traverses steep slopes is more at risk of injury than others. So are those which transport large cargoes. Then again, show and race horses, which spend large amounts of time standing still in stables, are also at increased risk because they are unable to transfer their mass off their hooves or settle it differently. A horse sometimes becomes lame by remaining stationary.
Available treatment draws on the entire spectrum of veterinary science. Trimming and shoes can be modified according to each specific case, or the shoes can be done away with completely. The horse's work routine may also need to be changed, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Medication can be used to treat symptoms, while surgery is a last resort. However, these latter methods may both cause complications. The prognosis is not always entirely positive so animals should not automatically be expected to return to their ordinary duties after treatment.
Understanding this condition is important in the care and use of horses. It causes considerable pain to the animal and it should not be neglected. If arrested in time, the horse may continue to work for several years afterwards, even with a reduced workload. Horses might not get paid a salary, but sometimes they need the same attention to their welfare as their human colleagues.
The navicular bone is located at the base of the horse's foot. It is situated under and behind the other bones. When it becomes swollen, it does so together with its surrounding soft tissue. This usually happens in the horse's front feet. The horse then has limited or no mobility, as the condition is painful and restricts its movement.
Research has been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of this condition. There are several relevant issues, among them the shape and size of hooves, how the horse is employed (i. E. Its lifestyle), and the use of shoes. No specific issue has been identified as the sole or primary cause, but they may all affect the horse's mobility and subsequent problems around that.
The hooves' size and shape is important. Horses with a higher body mass and more diminutive hoof profile, or high weight-to-hoof ratio, may experience injury in the navicular structure. This is due to the obvious skeletal impact of their weight, and the same concept is seen in overweight people who develop premature arthritis or other joint problems. This issue depends to a certain degree on the horse's breed.
There are those who advise against the use of horse shoes. However, navicular inflammation has been seen in wild horses so this is not a definite cause. Where shoes are used, they should be the correct size and they should also be attached properly. Incorrect shoes are a known source of problems. Poor trimming of hooves is another.
The activities of the animal should also be considered. An animal which is used on hard surfaces, such as concrete or roads, or which traverses steep slopes is more at risk of injury than others. So are those which transport large cargoes. Then again, show and race horses, which spend large amounts of time standing still in stables, are also at increased risk because they are unable to transfer their mass off their hooves or settle it differently. A horse sometimes becomes lame by remaining stationary.
Available treatment draws on the entire spectrum of veterinary science. Trimming and shoes can be modified according to each specific case, or the shoes can be done away with completely. The horse's work routine may also need to be changed, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Medication can be used to treat symptoms, while surgery is a last resort. However, these latter methods may both cause complications. The prognosis is not always entirely positive so animals should not automatically be expected to return to their ordinary duties after treatment.
Understanding this condition is important in the care and use of horses. It causes considerable pain to the animal and it should not be neglected. If arrested in time, the horse may continue to work for several years afterwards, even with a reduced workload. Horses might not get paid a salary, but sometimes they need the same attention to their welfare as their human colleagues.
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