Horse-DiseasesNavicular DiseaseSome horse-diseases can cause severe lameness in horses.Naviculs Syndrome is a degeneration of the navicular bone (NB), usually in the front feet of the horse. It can lead to severe lameness. But with today's advances in veterinary medicine and shoeing, this does not have to be the case.
So why isn't he lame? It is important to stress that for this disease to exist 3 elements have to be present at the same time.Black Jack has continued his eventing career and has taught a multitude of children how to ride. We are very careful with his shoeing, nutrition and work schedule. Radiographic changes have not progressed from 6 years ago. Description... 
The (NB) is located behind the coffin bone and under the small pastern bone. The deep digital tendon flexor (DDF) attaches to the back of the coffin bone after running on top of the NB. Cartilage lies between the coffin bone, NB and DDF.
Things that are thought to cause Navicular Syndrome...
The cartilage degenerates probably caused by too much compression between the coffin bone and the NB. The ligaments that support the navicular bone are constantly put under too much tension , this can begin the process of degeneration. The DDF tendon is placed under excessive strain for long periods of time, perhaps due to poor shoeing, this can begin the process of bone changes and tendon inflammation. Some horse-diseases are congenital. Things that are thought to contribute to Navicular Syndrome... Defects in the conformation of the foot of the horse can cause more compression and stress to the navicular and coffin bone as well as the tendons and ligaments. Some of these conformational defects are inherited but even more can be caused by poor shoeing. The type of work that the horse does can also place excessive stress on the DDF. An example of this type of work would be jumpers, and cutting horses. Work that causes excessive concussion to the hoof such as working on hard or irregular ground can also be a contributing factor Being confined for long periods of time without the ability to move around also may apply constant pressure to the NB. Early detection of horse-diseases is the best way to reverse the detrimental affects on the horse.
Symptoms ... Early Stages Stumbling
Advanced stages Lameness Horse Quote for a Hopeful Day Go back to Horse-Diseases from Navicular return to Home Page from Navicular
|
Our Sponsors
Tally Ho Farm
Park City, Utah
Related Pages
Riding boots
Horse Behavior
Taking the mystery out of
horse behavior
Are horses emotional beings?
Horse Breeds