Re-occurring set of symptoms is what is known as syndrome. Navicular syndrome is the other term used instead of navicular pain. The disorder usually affects horses. An animal with this condition can be nursed or treated back to its previous level of performance. Most horse owners have a tendency of believing that horses suffering from navicular disease are useless when it is not true. Effective treatment is possible if the condition is diagnosed in good time.
Diagnosis is based on radiographic and clinical signs. Clinical symptoms mean that a vet bases on what is seen during physical examination whereas radiographic signs entails checking x-ray photos of the hoof. X-rays are important since they help rule out other possible causes of lameness in horses. During examination the vet looks for certain signs such as the horse landing on its heels at the expense of the toes.
Quarterhorses and thoroughbreds are some of the examples that are prone to the condition, although other breeds also get affected. The two breeds are vulnerable to navicular syndrome since they are heavyweight animals standing on comparatively tiny feet. This implies that they exert too much pressure on forelimbs. The disorder mostly occurs between 7 to 14 years, though it may develop at any stage or age.
Visible symptoms present themselves in form of one forelimb being smaller than its twin. This happens because the animal puts no or less weight on that particular limb for long. Low blood flow can also account for contracted foot. While at rest a sick horse tends to alter its weight repeatedly. In doing so it eases strain, which causes pain on the frog parts. Bearing much pressure on toes cause the shoulders to have a lame appearance.
Hoof testers are used alongside other methods. This tool applies pressure over the frog region and the horse flinches due to pain if its hoof is affected. A vet compares the reaction of the animal when the tester is applied on the front and back foot. Another technique involves injection of anesthetic that relieves pain temporarily. The pain maybe raising within the navicular region if the animal walks normally after the injection if it was lame before.
There are many ways of rectifying the problem according to the degree of infection. Isoxsuprine is commonly administered under drug therapy. It expands or widens blood vessels causing better blood circulation to the troubled parts. There are higher chances of most horses responding to this treatment. Isoxsuprine functions for a particular duration after which it is administered again.
Unresponsive occurrences can be addressed by use of chemical blocking agents if surgery is to be avoided. The agents make the nerve injected functionless up to 2 months or 4 months. It is administered after a given duration through the same spot to animals that fail to respond to drug therapies. It is good to delay any form of surgery because of their unforeseen adverse side effects.
To conclude, the condition is not terminal. It is caused by a combination of decreased blood flow and trauma amongst other factors. Horse owners should protect their animals from developing the condition since it has no permanent cure. They should not allow them to overfeed. They should ensure proper shoeing and consult an expert when in doubt.
Diagnosis is based on radiographic and clinical signs. Clinical symptoms mean that a vet bases on what is seen during physical examination whereas radiographic signs entails checking x-ray photos of the hoof. X-rays are important since they help rule out other possible causes of lameness in horses. During examination the vet looks for certain signs such as the horse landing on its heels at the expense of the toes.
Quarterhorses and thoroughbreds are some of the examples that are prone to the condition, although other breeds also get affected. The two breeds are vulnerable to navicular syndrome since they are heavyweight animals standing on comparatively tiny feet. This implies that they exert too much pressure on forelimbs. The disorder mostly occurs between 7 to 14 years, though it may develop at any stage or age.
Visible symptoms present themselves in form of one forelimb being smaller than its twin. This happens because the animal puts no or less weight on that particular limb for long. Low blood flow can also account for contracted foot. While at rest a sick horse tends to alter its weight repeatedly. In doing so it eases strain, which causes pain on the frog parts. Bearing much pressure on toes cause the shoulders to have a lame appearance.
Hoof testers are used alongside other methods. This tool applies pressure over the frog region and the horse flinches due to pain if its hoof is affected. A vet compares the reaction of the animal when the tester is applied on the front and back foot. Another technique involves injection of anesthetic that relieves pain temporarily. The pain maybe raising within the navicular region if the animal walks normally after the injection if it was lame before.
There are many ways of rectifying the problem according to the degree of infection. Isoxsuprine is commonly administered under drug therapy. It expands or widens blood vessels causing better blood circulation to the troubled parts. There are higher chances of most horses responding to this treatment. Isoxsuprine functions for a particular duration after which it is administered again.
Unresponsive occurrences can be addressed by use of chemical blocking agents if surgery is to be avoided. The agents make the nerve injected functionless up to 2 months or 4 months. It is administered after a given duration through the same spot to animals that fail to respond to drug therapies. It is good to delay any form of surgery because of their unforeseen adverse side effects.
To conclude, the condition is not terminal. It is caused by a combination of decreased blood flow and trauma amongst other factors. Horse owners should protect their animals from developing the condition since it has no permanent cure. They should not allow them to overfeed. They should ensure proper shoeing and consult an expert when in doubt.
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