Navicular Syndrome Needs To Be Recognized Quickly To Avoid Suffering
By Ida Dorsey
There is surely nothing more distressing for an equestrian to look forward to a ride on your favorite horse, only to get to the stable and find the horse to be lame. Although this is a fairly common condition, especially after a long and rough outride, it is nonetheless of great concern as it is a painful condition for the animal and in most cases complete rest is the best treatment while the bone and surrounding tissue is given time to heal after the navicular syndrome has passed.
The role of the farrier, or blacksmith, is a very important one in maintaining the well being of the horse as the appropriate treatment of its hooves and shoes will ensure the comfort and health of the animal. There are many different designs of shoes for horses, all depending on the weight and size of the horse and what kind of work the animal usually does. Decreased pressure on the tissue in the hooves as well as the tendons is of great importance, which a good farrier will know very well.
Should the condition occur fairly frequently, it is advisable to have the veterinarian check the hooves. Neglecting it can lead to a disabling disease. Lameness could also be caused by a variety of other abnormalities.
Landing incorrectly will always lead to lameness, due to injury of the heel section of the feet, which can be avoided if the rider guides the horse to land heel-to-toe and not the other way around.
No horseman or horsewoman needs to despair when discovering lameness in your horse as early treatment will certainly end in early recovery. When one front foot is more affected than the other, the horse will noticeably tend to change from one leg to another. The condition is to be borne in mind when working the horse, as very uneven surfaces should be avoided and therefore the recovery of the animal will be hastened.
It is generally believed that thoroughbred horses have larger bodies whereas they have small feet and are therefore more inclined to develop lameness. It would appear to be more evident between the ages of seven to fourteen years. The rider's weight will be a determining factor and should always be considered. Ponies are believed to have stronger immunity against the syndrome.
While the recovery time is allowed, a much less intense work pattern will be needed and jumping is sometimes not advisable although, exercise such as slow long distance riding should be undertaken in order for fitness of the horse is to be maintained. Irregular hard surfaces and steep inclines are to be avoided at all cost if steady recovery is to be expected.
It is very fortunate that so much research has been done to alleviate and cure this painful condition and it is comforting to know that with patience and correct treatment, the animal's condition can be restored to its usual healthy state and horse and rider can once again enjoy the harmony of this recreational sport.
The role of the farrier, or blacksmith, is a very important one in maintaining the well being of the horse as the appropriate treatment of its hooves and shoes will ensure the comfort and health of the animal. There are many different designs of shoes for horses, all depending on the weight and size of the horse and what kind of work the animal usually does. Decreased pressure on the tissue in the hooves as well as the tendons is of great importance, which a good farrier will know very well.
Should the condition occur fairly frequently, it is advisable to have the veterinarian check the hooves. Neglecting it can lead to a disabling disease. Lameness could also be caused by a variety of other abnormalities.
Landing incorrectly will always lead to lameness, due to injury of the heel section of the feet, which can be avoided if the rider guides the horse to land heel-to-toe and not the other way around.
No horseman or horsewoman needs to despair when discovering lameness in your horse as early treatment will certainly end in early recovery. When one front foot is more affected than the other, the horse will noticeably tend to change from one leg to another. The condition is to be borne in mind when working the horse, as very uneven surfaces should be avoided and therefore the recovery of the animal will be hastened.
It is generally believed that thoroughbred horses have larger bodies whereas they have small feet and are therefore more inclined to develop lameness. It would appear to be more evident between the ages of seven to fourteen years. The rider's weight will be a determining factor and should always be considered. Ponies are believed to have stronger immunity against the syndrome.
While the recovery time is allowed, a much less intense work pattern will be needed and jumping is sometimes not advisable although, exercise such as slow long distance riding should be undertaken in order for fitness of the horse is to be maintained. Irregular hard surfaces and steep inclines are to be avoided at all cost if steady recovery is to be expected.
It is very fortunate that so much research has been done to alleviate and cure this painful condition and it is comforting to know that with patience and correct treatment, the animal's condition can be restored to its usual healthy state and horse and rider can once again enjoy the harmony of this recreational sport.
About the Author:
Navicular syndrome is one of the most common diseases among horses. To learn more about the treatments available, go to http://www.naviculardisease.com today!