Navicular syndrome in horses
SYMPTOMS OF NAVICULAR
- Sensitive on hard ground
- Intermittent front leg lameness
- Shortened gait
- Hesitant to put heels on the ground
CAUSES OF NAVICULAR
Navicular disease can be caused by mechanical stress from constant pressure of the navicular bone and the DDFT (deep digital flexor tendon) which increases the degeneration of the structures. Damage to the navicular bone due to trauma or interference with blood supply. It can be conformational issues such as long toe with a low heel which increases stress on the area.
DIAGNOSIS OF NAVICULAR
Your vet can diagnose by observing your horse to see if there is a short stride with added lameness especially when the horses is going in a circle or going over ground poles. Your vet can follow up with x rays and nerve blocks.
TREATMENT OF NAVICULAR
You will have your farrier do corrective shoeing to correct the balance issues as well as rest. Anti-inflammatories for the inflammation and the pain will need to be administered.
PRODUCT & DOSE RATE
ProflamAid Plus 50g per day
EquiGesic Plus 10g as needed
Continue with this dose until horse is dramatically improved, usually a minimum of 4-6 weeks. Once your horse is comfortable you can drop the dose to a maintenance level of 5-15g per day only increasing prior to an event or hard work and hard ground.
