Horses are part of economic activity in many areas of the world. They may be used to assist in manual labor, for transport, or in entertainment. However, they are live animals and so they suffer from physical illnesses and injuries, just like people do. A common equine problems is navicular syndrome, which leads to lameness and even premature retirement.
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.
Research has been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of this condition. There are several relevant issues, among them the shape and size of hooves, how the horse is employed (i. E. Its lifestyle), and the use of shoes. No specific issue has been identified as the sole or primary cause, but they may all affect the horse's mobility and subsequent problems around that.
Hoof size is one possible contributor to the syndrome. Horses with a high weight-to-hoof ratio, in other words with hooves which are small for their weight, may suffer problems with the navicular region. This is based on skeletal strain, and is not surprising. The same principle may be observed in obese people with damaged joints. Some breeds of horse are therefore more susceptible to this issue than others.
There are those who advise against the use of horse shoes. However, navicular inflammation has been seen in wild horses so this is not a definite cause. Where shoes are used, they should be the correct size and they should also be attached properly. Incorrect shoes are a known source of problems. Poor trimming of hooves is another.
Horses which spend most of their time on hard surfaces or carrying heavy loads obviously suffer more orthopedic strain and are more likely to contract injuries, as do those employed on steep slopes. Conversely, race horses also develop navicular bone trouble because they spend so much time standing still. A stationary horse cannot alleviate the static load of its own weight on its hooves, or alter its position, and this is why horses locked up in stalls for extended periods may also become lame.
Possible treatments for the syndrome rely on the full scope of equine medical practice. Sometimes, different trimming or shoeing of the hooves is effective. One option might be to go without shoes permanently. Modification of the animal's duties is necessary, either in the interim or indefinitely. Medication and surgery are also possible, but they are more drastic interventions and may have serious complications. Horses do not always recover completely and may not be able to perform the same tasks after treatment.
Awareness of this syndrome is extremely important for those who use horses. It is characterized by substantial pain and it should not be left alone. Timeous intervention can assist the animal's continued employment, even if it does not function at its prior level. Horses can't go on strike, but their labor issues also deserve attention.
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.
Research has been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of this condition. There are several relevant issues, among them the shape and size of hooves, how the horse is employed (i. E. Its lifestyle), and the use of shoes. No specific issue has been identified as the sole or primary cause, but they may all affect the horse's mobility and subsequent problems around that.
Hoof size is one possible contributor to the syndrome. Horses with a high weight-to-hoof ratio, in other words with hooves which are small for their weight, may suffer problems with the navicular region. This is based on skeletal strain, and is not surprising. The same principle may be observed in obese people with damaged joints. Some breeds of horse are therefore more susceptible to this issue than others.
There are those who advise against the use of horse shoes. However, navicular inflammation has been seen in wild horses so this is not a definite cause. Where shoes are used, they should be the correct size and they should also be attached properly. Incorrect shoes are a known source of problems. Poor trimming of hooves is another.
Horses which spend most of their time on hard surfaces or carrying heavy loads obviously suffer more orthopedic strain and are more likely to contract injuries, as do those employed on steep slopes. Conversely, race horses also develop navicular bone trouble because they spend so much time standing still. A stationary horse cannot alleviate the static load of its own weight on its hooves, or alter its position, and this is why horses locked up in stalls for extended periods may also become lame.
Possible treatments for the syndrome rely on the full scope of equine medical practice. Sometimes, different trimming or shoeing of the hooves is effective. One option might be to go without shoes permanently. Modification of the animal's duties is necessary, either in the interim or indefinitely. Medication and surgery are also possible, but they are more drastic interventions and may have serious complications. Horses do not always recover completely and may not be able to perform the same tasks after treatment.
Awareness of this syndrome is extremely important for those who use horses. It is characterized by substantial pain and it should not be left alone. Timeous intervention can assist the animal's continued employment, even if it does not function at its prior level. Horses can't go on strike, but their labor issues also deserve attention.
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