Owning a horse or pony is a very big responsibility. Many people love these beautiful animals and save for years to be able to afford one of their own. However, with the privilege of ownership is also a lot of hard work and commitment. Owners should learn about basic first aid and how to handle an emergency at the barn. They should also educate themselves about the most common causes of lameness and how to recognize them.
Every owners should familiarize themselves with the basics of horse anatomy and physiology. This will be of enormous benefit when they need to discuss any condition with their veterinarian. One of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses in navicular disease. This is related to damage and inflammation in the navicular bone, a small bone in the lower leg.
Breeds such as the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are most likely to present with the condition. In fact, there are bloodlines that are well known to be highly prone to the disease. The navicular bone is small but very important in the anatomy of the horses leg. It sits at the bottom of the leg, in a position equivalent to the ankle. Ligaments and tendons pass around the bone, making it prone to damage and disintegration.
Symptoms will typically strike between the ages of seven and fourteen. Although it is possible for horses as young as four to be seriously affected. The earlier the condition begins the more severe it usually is. A horse who is seriously lame at four or five years old will not have much hope of a working or competitive career. They can sometimes be used as pasture mates or for very light work if they are still safe.
As soon as these symptoms are noticed it is vital to bring in an experienced veterinarian to do a thorough examination. Most horses are diagnosed on clinical symptoms alone, but follow up with nerve blocks and x rays should also be done. However, x rays alone are not conclusive in proving that the animal has the condition.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
Once a diagnosis has been made there are a number of treatment options. Most animals respond well to anti inflammatory drugs. These can be powdered up and added to the feed. Most are safe for long term use, but there are restrictions for competition horses and riders need to be aware of these. These drugs can also help increase blood flow in the lower leg and this will also help to relive the symptoms.
In the event that surgery is needed, it can be up to eighty percent successful in keeping a horse sound for up to a year. However, in most cases the nerves will eventually begin to grow back and the horse will again present with some degree of lameness. These situations require careful management.
Every owners should familiarize themselves with the basics of horse anatomy and physiology. This will be of enormous benefit when they need to discuss any condition with their veterinarian. One of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses in navicular disease. This is related to damage and inflammation in the navicular bone, a small bone in the lower leg.
Breeds such as the Quarter horse and Thoroughbred are most likely to present with the condition. In fact, there are bloodlines that are well known to be highly prone to the disease. The navicular bone is small but very important in the anatomy of the horses leg. It sits at the bottom of the leg, in a position equivalent to the ankle. Ligaments and tendons pass around the bone, making it prone to damage and disintegration.
Symptoms will typically strike between the ages of seven and fourteen. Although it is possible for horses as young as four to be seriously affected. The earlier the condition begins the more severe it usually is. A horse who is seriously lame at four or five years old will not have much hope of a working or competitive career. They can sometimes be used as pasture mates or for very light work if they are still safe.
As soon as these symptoms are noticed it is vital to bring in an experienced veterinarian to do a thorough examination. Most horses are diagnosed on clinical symptoms alone, but follow up with nerve blocks and x rays should also be done. However, x rays alone are not conclusive in proving that the animal has the condition.
Most horses will begin to show gradual signs of lameness in their front feet. This will be most pronounced when they work on hard ground or do fast work or jumping. It may take them several days to finally become sound again. They will move with a shortened stride and often respond well to anti inflammatory medications that can be mixed with their food.
Once a diagnosis has been made there are a number of treatment options. Most animals respond well to anti inflammatory drugs. These can be powdered up and added to the feed. Most are safe for long term use, but there are restrictions for competition horses and riders need to be aware of these. These drugs can also help increase blood flow in the lower leg and this will also help to relive the symptoms.
In the event that surgery is needed, it can be up to eighty percent successful in keeping a horse sound for up to a year. However, in most cases the nerves will eventually begin to grow back and the horse will again present with some degree of lameness. These situations require careful management.
No comments:
Post a Comment