Like other living creatures, equines are also susceptible to various diseases. One such disease is a navicular disease, which has challenged horse owners and veterinarians for a long time. This condition affects the navicular bone and the surrounding soft tissue, leading to chronic lameness. However, every disease is curable with effective management and treatment. In this article, we will discuss what causes navicular in horses and recognize its early signs and tips to manage and prevent this condition.
In horses, navicular disease, sometimes referred to as navicular syndrome, is a disorder that causes pain and inflammation in the region of the navicular bone found in the hoof. In addition, the deep digital flexor tendon and the navicular bursa are frequently affected by this medical condition. This region is subjected to high biomechanical pressures during movement, and this is especially true for performance horses who participate in activities that involve stopping and turning quickly.
A horse may experience periodic lameness as a symptom of the condition, which can gradually become more severe and significantly affect the horse’s performance and quality of life. It is regarded to be a degenerative condition, which means that it will generally become worse over time if it is not controlled properly.
Several factors contribute to navicular disease in horses, and the reasons for this condition are not completely known. There are, however, several factors that are thought to contribute to the development and progression of this illness, including the following:
Anatomical Factors
The conformation of the horse’s foot may lead to navicular disease. When horses have feet that are not balanced, hooves that are too tiny, or erect pasterns, they may face higher stress on the navicular bone and the structures that surround it.
Biomechanical Stress
Biomechanical stress, which refers to activities that place excessive strain on the hoof and lower limb, can cause navicular disease. Examples include high-speed turns, abrupt stops, or repetitive hard impacts.
Genetics
Some evidence suggests that there may be a genetic susceptibility to navicular disease in certain horse breeds.
Hoof Conformation and Shoeing
Improper trimming and shoeing practices can alter the horse’s hoof balance and mechanics, increasing pressure on the navicular bone. Shoes that need to be properly suited, shoes with long toes, or heels that are too low might worsen the issue.
Inadequate Hoof Care
Poor hoof care, such as trimming the hoof very rarely, can lead to imbalances in the hoof structure and improper weight distribution, which puts extra stress on the navicular region.
Trauma
Direct trauma to the hoof or lower limb can damage the navicular bone or the soft tissues surrounding it, putting the horse at risk for navicular disease. This can occur due to excessive jumping, hard landings, or accidents.
Poor Circulation
Poor circulation may reduce blood flow to the navicular region, hindering the bone’s capacity to heal and maintain itself appropriately.
Inflammation and Degeneration
Chronic inflammation within the navicular bone or the structures surrounding it can cause degenerative changes over the years. Several factors could be responsible for this inflammation, including recurrent microtrauma, infection, or autoimmune mechanisms.
Nutritional Factors
Imbalances in the horse’s diet, particularly a lack of vital nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, may damage bone health and lead to the development of navicular disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of navicular disease in horses at an early stage can lead to improved management and outcomes. The following are signs of navicular disease in horses.
- A shortened stride, particularly noticeable at a trot.
- Lameness that gets worse by exercise or by being laid down on rough surfaces.
- Feelings of discomfort when the horse is commanded to make a tight turn or circle.
- Difficulty moving ahead, particularly over ground that is uneven or hard.
It is also possible for horses to exhibit discomfort when pressure is given to the frog of the foot, which indicates pain in the navicular region. Early detection is necessary to effectively control the disease and prevent it from getting worse.
Diagnosis
There are several clinical indicators, imaging modalities, and nerve blocks that are utilized in the process of diagnosing navicular illness. The first step veterinarians typically do is to perform a thorough physical examination, during which they check for specific indicators of discomfort and lameness. The following are diagnostic processes:
Radiographs (X-rays)
Radiographs, often known as X-rays, can reveal navicular changes in horses. These changes may include modifications in the structure of the navicular bone, bone spurs, or cyst-like lesions. On the other hand, not all horses diagnosed with navicular disease will have significant alterations on X-rays, particularly in the early stages of the condition.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a more advanced imaging technique that can offer detailed images of both bone and soft tissues. It could be used to diagnose certain conditions. MRI is particularly useful for diagnosing problems in the deep digital flexor tendon and the navicular bursa.
Nerve blocks
Palmar digital nerve blocks can temporarily block sensation in the affected area. If the horse’s lameness significantly improves after receiving a nerve block, this indicates that the navicular region is the source of the problem. Applying this strategy is extremely helpful for identifying the exact position of the issue.
Ultrasound
While X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are more commonly used for this purpose, ultrasound is a technique that can be used to evaluate the soft tissue structures that surround the navicular bone.
Treatment Options
Various treatment options exist for navicular in horses, aiming to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and manage the progression of the disease. When treating a horse, it is often necessary to adjust the treatment to the specific horse and the severity of the condition.
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Medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications are frequently used to reduce pain and inflammation. Phenylbutazone and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are commonly administered.
- It is also possible to inject corticosteroids into the navicular bursa to achieve targeted anti-inflammatory effects.
Shoeing and Hoof Care
- Proper shoeing is essential for effectively managing navicular disease. Wearing a bar shoe with a raised heel can reduce pressure on the navicular bone, which also helps to provide support for the hoof.
- Wedge pads are another tool that farriers can use to modify the angle of the hoof, which helps reduce tension on the deep digital flexor tendon simultaneously.
Exercise Management
- Participating in effective exercise activities is essential to preserving the health of the hoof and preventing future degeneration. Having a balanced approach is also essential because overworking could make the disease worse.
- Handling symptoms can be improved by engaging in low-impact activities and maintaining consistent exercise schedules.
Surgical Options
In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as palmar digital neurectomy could be considered a potential treatment option. This technique involves cutting off the nerves located in the palmar region to ease the discomfort. Although this may provide a great deal of relief, it also means that the horse may lose sensation in the affected area, which may result in other problems.
Therapies
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and injections into the navicular bursa are two therapies that can help manage pain and inflammation. These treatments can speed up healing and increase blood flow to the damaged area.
Alternative Treatments
Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments may relieve horses with navicular syndrome, although these should be used in conjunction with conventional therapies.
Managing the Condition
Establishing an effective plan is necessary to manage navicular disease in horses successfully. A well-balanced exercise routine, suitable shoeing, and regular checkups with a veterinarian are all essential. Among the most important strategies are:
Regular monitoring
Regular monitoring involves regular visits to the veterinarian to track the condition’s progress and adjust the medication as needed.
Customized Shoeing
For customized shoeing, it is necessary to work closely with an experienced farrier to ensure that the horse receives the most suitable hoof care.
Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet ensures the horse gets the proper nutrition to support its general health and maintain its hoof integrity.
Controlled Exercise
Controlled exercise refers to maintaining a consistent and gentle schedule to keep the horse active without worsening the problem.
Weight management
Healthy weight management is necessary to reduce the burden on the hooves and legs.
Conclusion
In summary, although navicular disease in horses is challenging, it can be effectively managed by employing a comprehensive strategy that includes early diagnosis, proper therapies, and continuous care. Horse owners and veterinarians may collectively cooperate to achieve the best possible results for horses suffering from this disease by remaining vigilant and taking preventative measures.