It is common to see a horse moving with a limp in its strides. A limp can be caused by simple injury which can be cured simply by administering the right medication. However, not all limps are as a result of injury, some are caused by long-standing medical conditions. Navicular syndrome in horses is a serious condition that normally comes in the form of a group of related diseases.
The condition does not occur beyond navicular bones and tissues and structures that surround them. If treatment is not sought for too long, permanent lameness results. Most cases of permanent lameness today are as a result of this condition. Chances of stopping permanent lameness from occurring in the long-run are still limited even if the problem is discovered in good time and treatment started. In simple words, the disorder is just severe.
Navicular syndrome is caused by several reasons and it may sometimes be difficult to pinpoint which one is responsible in a certain case. Some studies have come to the conclusion that the cause for the disorder is not known while some link hereditary factors to it. The possibility of heredity playing a role has caused some countries to prohibit use of affected stallions for breeding. Consequently, such countries continue to experience reduced number of cases of the problem.
The disorder occurs when blood supply to the bone is interfered with or when the bone experiences trauma, which may be caused by a multitude of factors. The end result is damage occurring to the bursa, ligaments, and surrounding structures. Lameness occurs when the damage becomes too severe and irrecoverable. The problem is never experienced by young animals, but is more prevalent in those that are at least five years of age.
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition. During early stages, the signs may be harder to notice. The disorder is predominant in front feet, and usually causes low grade lameness. One can notice slight limping in movement. F not corrected, symptoms get worse. Symptoms are characterized by seasonality, only realizable when the animal is walked in circles or on hard ground.
In certain cases, one foot gets more affected. An obvious limp can then be noticed during movement. As a result of too much pain, the animal stands putting the affected leg in front. Also, as a measure of easing pain, the horse avoids placing too much weight on the heels by standing on toes. It is at this stage that recovery steps should be taken in order to boost chances of making full recovery.
Diagnosis can be done in many different ways. First, one should maintain a record of symptoms observed for a while. The history could be helpful to the veterinarian when making a diagnosis. Radiography is the main method used to confirm if the problem is really extant.
The problem can also be diagnosed through MRI scans. Both methods show any damages done to the bone. However, scans and pictures taken may be interpreted differently by various veterinarians because of difference in opinion. Professionals hold different opinions on what normal bones should appear like.
The condition does not occur beyond navicular bones and tissues and structures that surround them. If treatment is not sought for too long, permanent lameness results. Most cases of permanent lameness today are as a result of this condition. Chances of stopping permanent lameness from occurring in the long-run are still limited even if the problem is discovered in good time and treatment started. In simple words, the disorder is just severe.
Navicular syndrome is caused by several reasons and it may sometimes be difficult to pinpoint which one is responsible in a certain case. Some studies have come to the conclusion that the cause for the disorder is not known while some link hereditary factors to it. The possibility of heredity playing a role has caused some countries to prohibit use of affected stallions for breeding. Consequently, such countries continue to experience reduced number of cases of the problem.
The disorder occurs when blood supply to the bone is interfered with or when the bone experiences trauma, which may be caused by a multitude of factors. The end result is damage occurring to the bursa, ligaments, and surrounding structures. Lameness occurs when the damage becomes too severe and irrecoverable. The problem is never experienced by young animals, but is more prevalent in those that are at least five years of age.
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition. During early stages, the signs may be harder to notice. The disorder is predominant in front feet, and usually causes low grade lameness. One can notice slight limping in movement. F not corrected, symptoms get worse. Symptoms are characterized by seasonality, only realizable when the animal is walked in circles or on hard ground.
In certain cases, one foot gets more affected. An obvious limp can then be noticed during movement. As a result of too much pain, the animal stands putting the affected leg in front. Also, as a measure of easing pain, the horse avoids placing too much weight on the heels by standing on toes. It is at this stage that recovery steps should be taken in order to boost chances of making full recovery.
Diagnosis can be done in many different ways. First, one should maintain a record of symptoms observed for a while. The history could be helpful to the veterinarian when making a diagnosis. Radiography is the main method used to confirm if the problem is really extant.
The problem can also be diagnosed through MRI scans. Both methods show any damages done to the bone. However, scans and pictures taken may be interpreted differently by various veterinarians because of difference in opinion. Professionals hold different opinions on what normal bones should appear like.
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