Radiographs taken of the foot showed degenerative changes in the navicular bone, and the horse was diagnosed with navicular disease. The lameness would be localized to the foot. A horse would present with a front limb lameness. Years ago, before advanced imaging such as MRI became more commonplace in the horse community, radiographs were our main imaging tool. It is often referenced as caudal heel pain as well to describe the location of the lameness “caudal” meaning the back of the foot, and “heel pain” because that is the generalized area of the lameness. We now know that this condition has many components and it varies from horse to horse, so navicular syndrome is a more accurate description of what we are treating. Veterinarians have moved away from calling it navicular disease because disease means there is one problem, where syndrome means there are multiple or varying problems. Navicular syndrome, navicular disease, and caudal heel pain are all referencing the same condition. To better understand why it seems like one treatment works great for one horse and marginally for another, it is important to understand a little bit of the history of navicular syndrome, the anatomy that is involved, and available treatment options. If you are concerned about your horse contact our Mount Vernon vets today for an appointment.Navicular syndrome is a common condition, but it is not simple or straightforward. Treatment options should be discussed in detail with your veterinarian. Postoperative complications are common and include rupture of the deep flexor tendon, painful inflammation of the cut nerve endings (neuromas), and damage to the foot that goes unnoticed by the horse and owner.
#Horses navicular full
This treatment should only be considered as a last resort and then only in full recognition of the implications. Long-term desensitization of the back of the foot can be achieved by performing a neurectomy to cut the heel nerves. It 'thins' the blood and seems to help some horses although its use can predispose to excessive bleeding after a coincidental injury.
Long-term treatment with substances such as isoxsuprine and aspirin may improve blood supply to the navicular bone and improve the condition of the bone. Medication such as phenylbutazone will elevate pain in many cases and enable work to be resumed. Often a rolled toe egg bar shoe is used to encourage early break over at the toe and good heel support. Corrective trimming and shoeing are important to ensure level footfall and foot balance. The navicular syndrome can be treated but rarely cured. If you notice your horse acting differently please contact our Mount Vernon vets right away for emergency services. Affected horses may stand with the more painful foot in front placed on the other (pointing). In some cases, one foot is affected more than the other causing an obvious lameness. The lameness might only occur from time to time or when the horse is exercised on hard ground or in a small circle. The navicular disease affects the front feet of horses causing a low-grade bilateral lameness, that usually progresses slowly.
Damage can occur to the deep flexor tendon, navicular bursa, or navicular ligaments all resulting in pain and lameness. Damage to the navicular bone may occur due to interference with blood supply or trauma to the bone. There is no known cause for navicular syndrome currently. The deep digital flexor tendon runs over the lower surface of the navicular bone, which acts somewhat like a 'pulley', and between these lies a small pocket of fluid, the navicular bursa, that acts like a 'cushion' between the tendon and its 'pulley'. It attaches to the pedal bone via a short strong ligament (the impaired ligament) and the pastern joint by 'suspensory' ligaments. The navicular bone is a small flattened bone, which lies across the back of the coffin joint. There are several possible causes of pain in and around the navicular bone. Navicular disease is a group of related conditions affecting the navicular bone and associated structures in the foot.
Today, our Mount Vernon vets will explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the navicular syndrome. But this syndrome can be detected and treated. Navicular syndrome (caudal heel pain) is a diagnosis many horse owners dread.
0 kommentar(er)
