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.
Even the most experienced of owners usually like to keep their animals at a good boarding barn. This will allow for twenty four hour care and attention. Good barn owners will be very vigilant to any signs of a problem, but especially to signs of navicular disease in horses. This condition is well known and documented as it often results in permanent lameness and the end of the animals working life.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
In the milder cases the horse can usually continue with light work. The age at which the animal develops his first symptoms is crucial. Typically the younger the horse, the more severe the outcome. If a three or four year old horse presents with classic symptoms, they will progress rapidly and the animal will be unfit for work. However, if the horse is ten or twelve years old the outcome is much more favorable.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
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.
Nerve blocks are the most common way of getting a correct diagnosis. After a small amount of anesthetic has been injected into the joint, the horse will then present as sound. This confirms that site of the pain.
Before buying a horse it is important to check the animals blood lines. Navicular is often transmitted from parent to offspring. If the mother or father had the condition, there is a strong possibility that the foals will eventually develop it too.
Even the most experienced of owners usually like to keep their animals at a good boarding barn. This will allow for twenty four hour care and attention. Good barn owners will be very vigilant to any signs of a problem, but especially to signs of navicular disease in horses. This condition is well known and documented as it often results in permanent lameness and the end of the animals working life.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
In the milder cases the horse can usually continue with light work. The age at which the animal develops his first symptoms is crucial. Typically the younger the horse, the more severe the outcome. If a three or four year old horse presents with classic symptoms, they will progress rapidly and the animal will be unfit for work. However, if the horse is ten or twelve years old the outcome is much more favorable.
One of the most classic signs that a horse is suffering from navicular disease is when they stand at rest with their front leg pointed to take the stress off their leg. If a horse is observed engaging in this behavior along with any degree of lameness it is time to have him examined by an experienced equine vet. Most veterinarians specialize in one type of animal. Horse vets usually make farm calls and bring a wide variety of diagnostic tools with them.
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.
Nerve blocks are the most common way of getting a correct diagnosis. After a small amount of anesthetic has been injected into the joint, the horse will then present as sound. This confirms that site of the pain.
Before buying a horse it is important to check the animals blood lines. Navicular is often transmitted from parent to offspring. If the mother or father had the condition, there is a strong possibility that the foals will eventually develop it too.
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