Horses are used in the economy of many countries. They may be used to lessen the load of manual laborers, in the transport of goods or people, or in more social situations. But what they also have in common with people is that they sometimes contract diseases and injuries. Navicular syndrome is one of the more prevalent horse ailments and results in lameness or loss of employability.
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.
People have been trying to find the exact explanation for this syndrome for some time. There are various factors at play, such as the size and shape of the hooves, the use or absence of horse shoes, the technique used to shoe the horses, and the type of activity that the horse is used in. None of these factors has been established as the sole reason, but they all seem to be involved to some extent.
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.
Not everyone advocates the use of horse shoes. However, the syndrome has been observed in feral equine populations so their use is merely one more possible factor. Where they are used, they should be of an appropriate size and installation. Otherwise, they are an impediment anyway, regardless of more serious trouble. Trimming of the hooves must also be optimal.
The nature of the horse's tasks needs to be assessed. Pack animals subjected to heavy burdens and those active on extreme gradients, such as mountains, are at a higher risk of getting injured. Ironically, animals which spend a significant amount of time in stationary positions, such as stabled race or show horses, also develop navicular trouble. This is because they cannot shift their weight off their hooves or balance themselves differently, as they do when in motion. Horses spending too much time in stalls sometimes develop lameness as a result.
Treatment options are based on the complete range of veterinary interventions. Some cases only require altered trimming or shoes, or the removal of the shoes entirely. The horse also needs to have its work schedule adapted or lessened, sometimes for the rest of its working life. Medications are available, as is surgery, but they are more extreme methods and could cause other issues. Complete recovery is not always possible and some animals may not be able to resume their previous duties.
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.
People have been trying to find the exact explanation for this syndrome for some time. There are various factors at play, such as the size and shape of the hooves, the use or absence of horse shoes, the technique used to shoe the horses, and the type of activity that the horse is used in. None of these factors has been established as the sole reason, but they all seem to be involved to some extent.
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.
Not everyone advocates the use of horse shoes. However, the syndrome has been observed in feral equine populations so their use is merely one more possible factor. Where they are used, they should be of an appropriate size and installation. Otherwise, they are an impediment anyway, regardless of more serious trouble. Trimming of the hooves must also be optimal.
The nature of the horse's tasks needs to be assessed. Pack animals subjected to heavy burdens and those active on extreme gradients, such as mountains, are at a higher risk of getting injured. Ironically, animals which spend a significant amount of time in stationary positions, such as stabled race or show horses, also develop navicular trouble. This is because they cannot shift their weight off their hooves or balance themselves differently, as they do when in motion. Horses spending too much time in stalls sometimes develop lameness as a result.
Treatment options are based on the complete range of veterinary interventions. Some cases only require altered trimming or shoes, or the removal of the shoes entirely. The horse also needs to have its work schedule adapted or lessened, sometimes for the rest of its working life. Medications are available, as is surgery, but they are more extreme methods and could cause other issues. Complete recovery is not always possible and some animals may not be able to resume their previous duties.
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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