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A Number of Things to Know about Navicular Disease in Horses

The act of animal domestication is a practice that began quite a number of years ago. Today, we domesticate quite a number of different types of animals. There were and still reasons for the domestication of animals. The benefits associated with these animals are reasons why they are domesticated. For instance, there are quite a number of horse farms these days. Horses have been used for transport for decades. Today, these beasts are also used in different types of sports. Owning a horse is considered a higher level of social class in quite a number of communities all around the world. One thing that should be noted is that just like the other domesticated animals, horses fall sick as well. There are quite a number of known diseases that are frequently infecting horses all around the world. One of the most popular diseases that horses suffer from is a navicular disease.

Navicular disease is the name given to a group of related conditions that affect the navicular bone, as well as, the associated structures in the foot of a horse. Navicular disease is highly associated with pain in these regions. It is unfortunate that up to this date, the primary cause of this disease remains unknown. However, it is known that this disease is as a result of damage to the navicular bone. This damage can be a result of trauma or interference to the blood supply to the bone. This plus other associated conditions often result in pain and lameness. There are quite a number of symptoms that have been associated with this disease. This disease is known to affect the two front feet of horses causing a low-grade bilateral lameness. This lameness often progresses slowly as time pass. The diagnosis of this disease is done via a number of techniques. It is often done using a combination of history, symptoms, nerve blocks, and radiography. This diagnostic technique has proven to be quite effective.

After diagnosis, we head straight to the treatment of this disease. One positive thing about this disease is the fact that it can be treated. However, it is quite unfortunate that this disease cannot be cured. The treatment of this disease involved quite a number of treatment methods. For instance, there is corrective trimming and shoeing in order to ensure level foot and foot balance. A medication such as phenylbutazone helps with the pain. The condition of the bone can also be improved. This is done by enhancing the supply of blood to the bone. Isoxsuprine and aspirin are commonly used to help in improving the supply of blood to the bone. These are some of the treatments that are popularly used to control this disease. One may ask whether or not this disease is preventable. One thing to note is that horses with all foot shapes can develop this disease. However, maintaining good balance and heel support can come in handy in the prevention of quite a number of foot lameness.

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