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.
Once a horse has been diagnosed with navicular disease a course of treatment and medication will need to be established. The first step is to stop working the animal until its condition has been stabilized. No one knows how well each individual animal will respond to the available medications. As the condition is progressive it is vital to know how well the animal will do and how much work they will stand up to.
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.
A number of effective medications are available to treat the symptoms of navicular disease. However, it is important for owners to understand that there is no cure for this condition. It is merely a case of managing the symptoms and keeping the horse comfortable.
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.
Once a horse has been diagnosed with navicular disease a course of treatment and medication will need to be established. The first step is to stop working the animal until its condition has been stabilized. No one knows how well each individual animal will respond to the available medications. As the condition is progressive it is vital to know how well the animal will do and how much work they will stand up to.
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.
A number of effective medications are available to treat the symptoms of navicular disease. However, it is important for owners to understand that there is no cure for this condition. It is merely a case of managing the symptoms and keeping the horse comfortable.
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