Just like humans, horses can suffer from chronic conditions that are caused by damage or inflammation to their bones and joints. Even in the case of a horse who has been well cared for since birth, sudden lameness can occur. It is up to the owners, trainers and barn managers to keep a close eye on every animal and know their way of moving and typical behavior.
Every owners should familiarize themselves with the basics of horse anatomy and physiology. This will be of enormous benefit when they need to discuss any condition with their veterinarian. One of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses in navicular disease. This is related to damage and inflammation in the navicular bone, a small bone in the lower leg.
The bone is prone to damage because of its location in the lower part of the leg, near to the hoof. It also acts as a fulcrum for ligaments and this adds additional stress to the situation. It is also important to know that certain breeds of horse, particularly the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are more prone to developing this condition. This is because they are both large breeds of horse with relatively small feet.
The signs of a problem with the navicular bone are quite distinct and easy to spot. The lameness will be in the front feet, typically both feet are affected although one is usually worse than the other. The horse will usually present with a shorten stride and the lameness will be especially noticeable when the horse trots on hard ground. The other classic symptom is the horse who points his toes whilst at rest. This is in an attempt to relieve the pain and discomfort they feel and take the pressure off their heels.
As soon as these symptoms are noticed it is vital to bring in an experienced veterinarian to do a thorough examination. Most horses are diagnosed on clinical symptoms alone, but follow up with nerve blocks and x rays should also be done. However, x rays alone are not conclusive in proving that the animal has the condition.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
In addition nerve blocks can be a very valuable tool in helping to diagnose the condition. A small amount of anesthetic is injected into the area of the bone and in many cases the horse will appear to be sound. In only the most severe cases should surgery be considered as an option.
In the event that surgery is needed, it can be up to eighty percent successful in keeping a horse sound for up to a year. However, in most cases the nerves will eventually begin to grow back and the horse will again present with some degree of lameness. These situations require careful management.
Every owners should familiarize themselves with the basics of horse anatomy and physiology. This will be of enormous benefit when they need to discuss any condition with their veterinarian. One of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses in navicular disease. This is related to damage and inflammation in the navicular bone, a small bone in the lower leg.
The bone is prone to damage because of its location in the lower part of the leg, near to the hoof. It also acts as a fulcrum for ligaments and this adds additional stress to the situation. It is also important to know that certain breeds of horse, particularly the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are more prone to developing this condition. This is because they are both large breeds of horse with relatively small feet.
The signs of a problem with the navicular bone are quite distinct and easy to spot. The lameness will be in the front feet, typically both feet are affected although one is usually worse than the other. The horse will usually present with a shorten stride and the lameness will be especially noticeable when the horse trots on hard ground. The other classic symptom is the horse who points his toes whilst at rest. This is in an attempt to relieve the pain and discomfort they feel and take the pressure off their heels.
As soon as these symptoms are noticed it is vital to bring in an experienced veterinarian to do a thorough examination. Most horses are diagnosed on clinical symptoms alone, but follow up with nerve blocks and x rays should also be done. However, x rays alone are not conclusive in proving that the animal has the condition.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
In addition nerve blocks can be a very valuable tool in helping to diagnose the condition. A small amount of anesthetic is injected into the area of the bone and in many cases the horse will appear to be sound. In only the most severe cases should surgery be considered as an option.
In the event that surgery is needed, it can be up to eighty percent successful in keeping a horse sound for up to a year. However, in most cases the nerves will eventually begin to grow back and the horse will again present with some degree of lameness. These situations require careful management.
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