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.
A horse is a valuable animal, especially one that has done well in competition. Owners and trainers dread the thought of navicular disease in horses. This condition is one of the most feared in the industry as it often spells the end of the animals productive life. A horse that is showing a lot of promise as a jumper will have no future once he has been diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
In the milder cases the horse can usually continue with light work. The age at which the animal develops his first symptoms is crucial. Typically the younger the horse, the more severe the outcome. If a three or four year old horse presents with classic symptoms, they will progress rapidly and the animal will be unfit for work. However, if the horse is ten or twelve years old the outcome is much more favorable.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
Horses who are in pain are often cranky. If a typically happy and laid back horse suddenly becomes miserable or even aggressive it is important to look for a physical cause. A good equine veterinarian should be called in to give the horse a thorough examination and check for any signs of pain or tenderness. The vet will also want to talk with the owner, rider and stable help to get a comprehensive picture of the animals everyday life and any changes that have occurred.
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.
A horse is a valuable animal, especially one that has done well in competition. Owners and trainers dread the thought of navicular disease in horses. This condition is one of the most feared in the industry as it often spells the end of the animals productive life. A horse that is showing a lot of promise as a jumper will have no future once he has been diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
The navicular bone is one of many small bones in the horses fetlock joint. This is the equivalent of the human ankle and is the joint that bears all the weight. For reasons that are not clear, the blood supply to the bone can be affected and this leads to disintegration of the bone and lameness. The condition can range from mild to very severe.
In the milder cases the horse can usually continue with light work. The age at which the animal develops his first symptoms is crucial. Typically the younger the horse, the more severe the outcome. If a three or four year old horse presents with classic symptoms, they will progress rapidly and the animal will be unfit for work. However, if the horse is ten or twelve years old the outcome is much more favorable.
Owners need to be in the habit of constant observation of their horse. If they see anything out of the ordinary they should discuss it with their trainer or a more knowledgeable professional. When a horse is suffering from damage to the navicular bone he will typically point his toe in an effort to gain relief from the pain.
Horses who are in pain are often cranky. If a typically happy and laid back horse suddenly becomes miserable or even aggressive it is important to look for a physical cause. A good equine veterinarian should be called in to give the horse a thorough examination and check for any signs of pain or tenderness. The vet will also want to talk with the owner, rider and stable help to get a comprehensive picture of the animals everyday life and any changes that have occurred.
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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