T
here are, however, certain facts that almost all of the research agrees upon. Navicular syndrome typically occurs in horses over 15 years of age, are overweight, have overly stressed hooves due to concussion with the ground or any combination of the above. It is almost always associated with a shod horse. T ese are the factors we need to be looking at if we are to fi nd a sound conclusion and therefore a way to treat, minimize and bet er yet, completely avoid navicular problems in our equines.
All of the facts, excluding horseshoes, describe symp- toms relating to most, if not all, domesticated animals on Earth today. Using humans as an example, think about how the body changes as we approach middle age. Our bones become more brit le; we’re not as limber as when we were younger; and as a result we have more aches and pains and are injured more easily. Add in problems relating to being overweight, and the physical stress on our bodies is exacerbated. I know from experience that years of hard physical labor are very hard on the body.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE TELLS ME o mo
Horses, or any animal for that mat er, are no diff erent than we are when it comes to aging and the eff ects of be- ing overweight and/or overworked. T e maladies may be presented somewhat diff erently, even within a species, but there is no denying the eff ects caused by any of these conditions. Horseshoes are the only additional factor, and only for the domestic horse.
In basic terms, navicular syndrome is diagnosed because
of infl ammation in the soſt tissue surrounding the navicular bone and/ or pain in the rear of the hoof. Based on the inconclusive research, I have come to believe that navicular syndrome is most likely part of the aging process, be it natural or of early onset due to the additional stressors of obesity, hoof imbalance or overwork.
THE AGING PROCESS Most research agrees that a large majority of horses diagnosed
with navicular syndrome are approaching middle age and older. T at doesn’t mean a younger horse can’t be symptomatic and be given the diagnosis. Obviously, the aging process cannot be stopped; however, every other factor that may cause infl ammation of the navicular region can be dealt with, if not stopped completely. For many years it was believed that navicular
syndrome was the result of degeneration of the navicular bone itself. However, research now shows that bone degeneration and even bone frac- tures are just as likely to appear in horses that are completely sound. T e scientifi c evidence clearly contradicts the relationship between any type of heel pain and navicular bone degeneration and/ or fractures. T ere are ways to slow bone deterioration,
and your veterinarian should be able to help you. In addition, with a lit le research I believe you, the horse owner, can take measures to slow the degenerative process with dietary and paddock management, proper exercise and great hoof care.
OBESITY T ere are many negative impacts on equine
health when dealing with obesity. Not only does the additional weight stress a horse’s bones, car- tilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments (not to mention the circulatory and respiratory systems), obesity promotes insulin resistance, and insulin resistance promotes laminitis and other metabolic problems in horses. Feeds, including grass and hays, should be low in carbohydrates (sugars and
50 | June 2013 •
WWW.TRAILBLAZERMAGAZINE.US Navicular Bone
healthy bone
degenerative bone
T is illustration depicts the navicular bone in three sections; the leſt is healthy; the center has degenerative bone loss; and the third is healthy but fractured. Research has shown that none
of these conditions are related to navicular syndrome and are just as likely to appear in a healthy, completely sound horse.
fractured bone
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