Navicular disease is a fairly common problem in athletic horses. The cause is not very clear but the underlying problem is degeneration of the navicular bone and other tarsal bones. As it progresses, the competitiveness of the horse is greatly reduced and there is constant pain that has to be managed. We will look at some of the important facts relating to navicular disease in horses.
The disease has a gradual onset and initially manifests with intermittent lameness. Since both anterior limbs are usually affected simultaneously, it may go unnoticed for some time. One of the earliest instances that the problem is suspected is during a lunge. Preforming a nerve block on one of the limbs helps to confirm or rule out the problem. Flexing the distal forelimbs may exacerbate the lameness transiently.
There are a number of factors that predispose to this problem. Conformational defects within the hoofs of some horses are said to increase the risk of bone damage and concussion. Such will include, for example, small feet, upright pasterns and long toes among others. The problem with such defects is that pressure is not transmitted evenly within all the bones. The navicular bone is particular under increased pressure which causes destruction over time.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Improper shoes are another common predisposing factor. This has been evidenced by the fact that the problem is way common in domesticated horses as compared to those in the world. Improper shoes may prevent expansion of the feet during movement leading to fractures in some bones and ischemia to some tissues due to impaired blood flow. The solution to this is barefoot trimming.
There are a number of treatment options that can be considered once the disease has established itself. These options may be either conservative or invasive. Using NSAIDs such as phenylbutazone and firocoxib helps to minimize the pain. Prolonged use of NSAIDs is associated with some adverse effects in the kidney and the gastrointestinal tract hence should be stopped intermittently to allow for recovery of these systems.
The other class of drugs that is commonly used is corticosteroids. They are a particularly good choice if the animal has failed to respond to NSAIDs. Up to 80% of affected animals will exhibit some improvement within 4 months of initiating treatment. The drug is injected around the bone (navicular bursa) once or twice a day as prescribed by the vet. The main downside of such intra bursa injections is the increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are several surgical procedures that may be performed but only as a last resort. It should be emphasized that these surgical operations will by no means cure the condition; they only provide symptomatic relief. One of those that are commonly performed is known as palmer digital neurectomy. Apart from relieving pain, this operation helps to improve competitiveness.
The disease has a gradual onset and initially manifests with intermittent lameness. Since both anterior limbs are usually affected simultaneously, it may go unnoticed for some time. One of the earliest instances that the problem is suspected is during a lunge. Preforming a nerve block on one of the limbs helps to confirm or rule out the problem. Flexing the distal forelimbs may exacerbate the lameness transiently.
There are a number of factors that predispose to this problem. Conformational defects within the hoofs of some horses are said to increase the risk of bone damage and concussion. Such will include, for example, small feet, upright pasterns and long toes among others. The problem with such defects is that pressure is not transmitted evenly within all the bones. The navicular bone is particular under increased pressure which causes destruction over time.
Racing on hard and irregular ground increases the risk. This is because of increased stress on the tendons connected to the tarsal bones. A similar risk exists in horses that spend most of their day standing. In this position, greater weight has to be borne and this gradually affects the bones and tendons especially if the weight to foot ratio is also high.
Improper shoes are another common predisposing factor. This has been evidenced by the fact that the problem is way common in domesticated horses as compared to those in the world. Improper shoes may prevent expansion of the feet during movement leading to fractures in some bones and ischemia to some tissues due to impaired blood flow. The solution to this is barefoot trimming.
There are a number of treatment options that can be considered once the disease has established itself. These options may be either conservative or invasive. Using NSAIDs such as phenylbutazone and firocoxib helps to minimize the pain. Prolonged use of NSAIDs is associated with some adverse effects in the kidney and the gastrointestinal tract hence should be stopped intermittently to allow for recovery of these systems.
The other class of drugs that is commonly used is corticosteroids. They are a particularly good choice if the animal has failed to respond to NSAIDs. Up to 80% of affected animals will exhibit some improvement within 4 months of initiating treatment. The drug is injected around the bone (navicular bursa) once or twice a day as prescribed by the vet. The main downside of such intra bursa injections is the increased risk of tendon rupture.
There are several surgical procedures that may be performed but only as a last resort. It should be emphasized that these surgical operations will by no means cure the condition; they only provide symptomatic relief. One of those that are commonly performed is known as palmer digital neurectomy. Apart from relieving pain, this operation helps to improve competitiveness.
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