Owning a horse is a very big privilege, as well as being quite expensive. Most owners like to keep their animals in private boarding barns where they can be cared for to a high standard. It is also much more convenient than trying to do all the work themselves. Between busy work schedules, family and other commitments it can be difficult enough to find the time to ride.
Keeping their horse in the very best of health is a number one priority for every owner. Navicular disease in horses is one of the most feared conditions as it often leads to permanent lameness that renders the horse useless. Unfortunately the condition is surprisingly common and affects many thousands of animals every year.
Anatomically the horses fetlock joint is very similar to the human ankle. There are a number of small bones that are prone to damage and degeneration. For a horse the disintegration of the navicular bone is particularly devastating. Damage can be seen on x rays and also by the use of simple nerve blocks. In most cases getting a diagnosis is fairly routine, but in a few cases the horse will present with a completely different set of symptoms.
One of the first signs that the horse is developing the condition is a vague lameness in the front feet. At first this many be very subtle. It may seem to come and go and might improve with rest. However, as time goes on the horse will get progressively worse until it is time to consult a veterinarian. In most cases a diagnosis is fairly routine.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
The majority of horses will show significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. The anti inflammatory drugs will help to increase the blood flow to the affected bone and this will reduce the pain. In addition, the animal can receive additional medication for pain. After the doses have been established the horse can return to light work.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
Many horses are able to continue in light to moderate exercise after they have been diagnosed. However, in some severe cases the animal will never be sound again and will have to be retired.
Keeping their horse in the very best of health is a number one priority for every owner. Navicular disease in horses is one of the most feared conditions as it often leads to permanent lameness that renders the horse useless. Unfortunately the condition is surprisingly common and affects many thousands of animals every year.
Anatomically the horses fetlock joint is very similar to the human ankle. There are a number of small bones that are prone to damage and degeneration. For a horse the disintegration of the navicular bone is particularly devastating. Damage can be seen on x rays and also by the use of simple nerve blocks. In most cases getting a diagnosis is fairly routine, but in a few cases the horse will present with a completely different set of symptoms.
One of the first signs that the horse is developing the condition is a vague lameness in the front feet. At first this many be very subtle. It may seem to come and go and might improve with rest. However, as time goes on the horse will get progressively worse until it is time to consult a veterinarian. In most cases a diagnosis is fairly routine.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
The majority of horses will show significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. The anti inflammatory drugs will help to increase the blood flow to the affected bone and this will reduce the pain. In addition, the animal can receive additional medication for pain. After the doses have been established the horse can return to light work.
The vet will prescribe the right medicines that will need to be administered daily. Most horses respond well to a basic anti inflammatory drug, combined with pain relief. It is important to remember that these medicines will need to be given continuously. Sometimes if the animal is on rest and turnout they may be able to come off the medication temporarily.
Many horses are able to continue in light to moderate exercise after they have been diagnosed. However, in some severe cases the animal will never be sound again and will have to be retired.
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