Replying to @krista.reiswig Navicular disease is a degenerative condition that affects the navicular bone and associated structures in a horse’s hoof. This small, boat-shaped bone is critical for smooth and pain-free movement, as it works with the deep digital flexor tendon to absorb shock and distribute weight during motion. When navicular disease occurs, the bone, tendons, and surrounding tissues experience degeneration or inflammation, leading to chronic pain and lameness. This condition is most common in performance horses, whose high levels of activity can place increased stress on their front hooves. The exact cause of navicular disease is not always clear, but it is often linked to a combination of mechanical stress, conformation, and hoof management. Horses with poor hoof conformation, such as long toes and low heels, are at an increased risk because these abnormalities create excessive strain on the navicular apparatus. Repetitive stress from intense work, such as jumping or high-speed performance, can also contribute to wear and tear on the bone and tendons. Additionally, improper shoeing or trimming can exacerbate the problem by failing to support hoof balance, while reduced blood flow to the navicular region may accelerate bone degeneration. Horses with navicular disease typically show signs of intermittent lameness, particularly in the front limbs. Lameness often worsens after exercise or when the horse is worked on hard surfaces. Affected horses may exhibit a shortened stride and adopt a toe-first landing to avoid placing pressure on their heels, where the navicular apparatus resides. Some horses also show shifting lameness, alternating between front limbs as they compensate for pain. These subtle signs can progress over time, making early diagnosis crucial for effective management. Diagnosing navicular disease involves a thorough clinical evaluation and advanced diagnostic tools. During a clinical exam, a veterinarian may use hoof testers to localize pain and assess how the horse moves at different gaits. Imaging techniques, such as X-rays or MRI, are critical for identifying changes in the navicular bone, including bone degeneration, cysts, or calcification. Nerve blocks, where local anesthetic is applied to numb the navicular region, can confirm the source of pain by temporarily alleviating lameness. These diagnostic steps allow for a comprehensive understanding of the horse’s condition and help guide treatment decisions. While navicular disease cannot be reversed, it can often be managed to improve the horse’s comfort and mobility. Corrective shoeing is a cornerstone of treatment, aiming to balance the hoof and reduce strain on the navicular bone and surrounding tendons. This may involve using specialized shoes or wedges to support the heel and encourage proper alignment. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs, are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation, while therapies like shockwave treatment or bisphosphonates may slow the progression of the disease. In severe cases, surgical intervention, such as a neurectomy, can provide pain relief, although it comes with risks and limitations. Preventative care is key to reducing the risk of navicular disease in horses. Regular hoof maintenance, including proper trimming and shoeing, ensures balanced hooves that distribute weight evenly and minimize strain on the navicular region. Managing workload is also essential, especially for performance horses, where intense activities like jumping or galloping should be balanced with periods of rest. Early attention to hoof conformation issues, such as correcting long toes or low heels, can help prevent the mechanical stress that contributes to navicular disease. By adopting proactive hoof care and monitoring for early signs of lameness, horse owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of this condition developing.
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