Thursday, August 28, 2014

Ways Of Handling Horses With Navicular Disease

By Deanne Shepard


Horses are affected by diseases just like any other animal. Such ailments may be acute or chronic and might present with varying degree of signs and or symptom. Navicular disease is an example of a chronic ailment found in these animals. It is best described as a syndrome because there are several symptoms and signs associated with it. Disease of this kind is more common in horses with heavy body weight.

The syndrome usually affects the bone on the front leg. Surrounding tissues may equally be affected to an extent that victim animal becomes lame. This bone is supported by a number of ligaments from all sides that aids its connections to bordering bones and structures. Without proper functioning ability, the animal becomes helpless and therefore unable to move its weight.

Pointing out the exact events and or pathogens that may be responsible to this ailment is still a question left to the scholars. However, there are a number of speculations or theories that attempt to answer this concern. The very first theory proposes that compression of this bone and hence its surrounding support may be a cause sickness. Such compression leads to tear and wear of ligaments, cartilage and the bone in question.

A second theory states that ailment arise from tension related problems. In this case, the ligament supporting this bone experiences a continuous strain and consequently inflammation. In the long run, blood flow becomes grossly impaired leading to degeneration of poorly nourished bone. A third and last speculation in this case is that of toe first landing. Scholars have this far associated this particular illness with the first landing of toe. Landing event places so much tension and hence strains on the tendons alongside other supportive tissues. It is a consequence of misalignment of toe while in action.

Proper trimming and shoe selection are some of the basic practices which enable individuals to protect their horses from this chronic kind of sickness. In addition to this, one should avoid practices as steep slope riding, galloping as well as jumping as they have all been associated with the onset of this sickness. The practices named above build more tension and strain on supportive structures and hence leads to degeneration of the bone in question.

The main cardinal symptom is pain on affected leg. It begins as a mild and or intermittent presentation and soon develops into a full blown disabling disease. As the symptoms and signs worsen without treatment, the animal becomes lame and unable to support self.

Treatment and management options are many and dependent on existing health condition. One such option is proper trimming. This practice assist in acceptable balance of neurological and biochemical components. Secondly, hoof care is equally vital in safety and wellness of these animals. A third option is proper arrangement for exercise. Intense exercise is unhealthy for the wellness of horses. There needs to be a proper guide on training time to avoid excessive strain. Last option requires treatment in the form of surgical intervention or drug administration.

In summary, horses need good health just like any other animal or human being. They should be cared for to obtain optimal health. In case of a disease, effort should be made to restore their health. In addition, all animals must be used appropriately to avoid preventable illnesses.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment