Horse people have good reason to fear the serious condition known as founder. This inflammatory condition is one type of navicular disease which causes lameness and may result in degeneration and deformation of the hoof. The problem is still being researched, but some causes are well known to experienced owners.
'Founder' is an inflammation of the digestive tract stemming from too much rich feed. An animal allowed unlimited access to lush grass can founder, as can one which gets into the feed room and eats a large amount of grain. In these cases, the reaction may be swift, with the horse showing discomfort within hours.
A continual state of overweight contributes to founder and makes horses more likely to develop inflammation and pain in their front feet. The animal will be reluctant to move and may stand with front feet extended, constantly shifting weight from one foot to another. Overweight also puts constant stress on the feet, especially the front ones which carry up to 75% of the horse's weight.
Ponies are affected more often than horses, but animals of any size are at risk. It is easier to keep horses from gaining weight than try to get it off; horses may become anemic or develop vices from boredom, like cribbing or weaving.
Horses also may develop navicular problems from working on hard ground, jumping more than their feet can stand, or being poorly shod. Warmbloods make talented sport horses, being athletic enough for show jumping and eventing and sensible enough to handle the stress of competition. However, many people have found it hard to keep these heavy horses sound season after season.
Other causes that veterinarians and researchers think contribute to this kind of lameness include standing in a stall. Horses developed running free, and they need exercise to keep blood circulating properly to the feet. However, many race horses and show horses are kept confined for practical reasons, like not risking them in fields where they might be injured or not having the facilities to turn them out.
Maintaining the natural shape and balance of the foot is important. Improper trimming and shoeing can cause navicular problems. If toes are too long and heels sloped too far under the foot, strained tendons can pull bones in the foot out of position. This can cause arthritic degeneration inside the foot. Heels should be allowed to spread in a natural way; rigid shoes and contracted heels are thought to contribute to navicular.
Limiting access to rich grass is always wise, especially in spring when the grass is lushest. Feed rooms should be securely locked. Exercise should be regular, not overly strenuous, and on ground that is not too hard. Regular trimming and shoeing (if necessary) by a skilled farrier is important; owners should know enough to be able to judge the quality of the work.
'Founder' is an inflammation of the digestive tract stemming from too much rich feed. An animal allowed unlimited access to lush grass can founder, as can one which gets into the feed room and eats a large amount of grain. In these cases, the reaction may be swift, with the horse showing discomfort within hours.
A continual state of overweight contributes to founder and makes horses more likely to develop inflammation and pain in their front feet. The animal will be reluctant to move and may stand with front feet extended, constantly shifting weight from one foot to another. Overweight also puts constant stress on the feet, especially the front ones which carry up to 75% of the horse's weight.
Ponies are affected more often than horses, but animals of any size are at risk. It is easier to keep horses from gaining weight than try to get it off; horses may become anemic or develop vices from boredom, like cribbing or weaving.
Horses also may develop navicular problems from working on hard ground, jumping more than their feet can stand, or being poorly shod. Warmbloods make talented sport horses, being athletic enough for show jumping and eventing and sensible enough to handle the stress of competition. However, many people have found it hard to keep these heavy horses sound season after season.
Other causes that veterinarians and researchers think contribute to this kind of lameness include standing in a stall. Horses developed running free, and they need exercise to keep blood circulating properly to the feet. However, many race horses and show horses are kept confined for practical reasons, like not risking them in fields where they might be injured or not having the facilities to turn them out.
Maintaining the natural shape and balance of the foot is important. Improper trimming and shoeing can cause navicular problems. If toes are too long and heels sloped too far under the foot, strained tendons can pull bones in the foot out of position. This can cause arthritic degeneration inside the foot. Heels should be allowed to spread in a natural way; rigid shoes and contracted heels are thought to contribute to navicular.
Limiting access to rich grass is always wise, especially in spring when the grass is lushest. Feed rooms should be securely locked. Exercise should be regular, not overly strenuous, and on ground that is not too hard. Regular trimming and shoeing (if necessary) by a skilled farrier is important; owners should know enough to be able to judge the quality of the work.
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