Horse owners rightly fear the problem of founder in their animals. One cause of navicular disease, foundering usually affects the front feet of a horse, resulting in lameness which can be permanent. There are other causes of navicular problems which are still being researched by equine health experts.
'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.
Horses allowed to get too fat are also at risk. Overweight animals are prone to foundering. Excess weight also puts undue, constant stress on the feet, especially the front ones which naturally bear most of the animal'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.
Concussion is another cause of navicular separate from over-feeding. The result is the same, however - inflammation of the foot that can result in lameness that may be temporary or permanent. Horses asked to pound along on hard ground for extended periods or asked to jump over and over may develop problems with the tendons and bones in their feet. Heavier horses, like warmbloods, are especially susceptible. These horses are often exceptionally talented at showing and jumping, which makes their susceptibility to lameness a true tragedy.
Other causes include standing too much, as when a horse is confined to a stall and not allowed sufficient time out at exercise. Forcing growth with rich feed, as is commonly done with thoroughbred youngsters destined for the yearling sales, can have detrimental effects. Race horses and show animals are routinely stalled for their protection, given demanding training schedules, and kept on high energy feeds.
Improper shoeing or trimming can contribute to unsoundness. If the foot is not properly balanced, with the weight spread evenly from toe to heel, the bones of the foot may shift out of position over time. Long toes and heels allowed to slope too far under the foot are less than ideal, and this configuration puts strain on the tendon that passes over the navicular bone and connects to another bone called the coffin bone. If the coffin bone is pulled out of alignment, lameness will result.
Lush grass is a danger to all horses and ponies and should be limited. Feed rooms must be securely closed to keep greedy horses out. Exercise programs should be designed with the animal's age and conformation in mind, and riding done over firm but yielding ground. Owners who want their horses to stay sound should learn how to make sure their farrier is doing a good job.
'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.
Horses allowed to get too fat are also at risk. Overweight animals are prone to foundering. Excess weight also puts undue, constant stress on the feet, especially the front ones which naturally bear most of the animal'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.
Concussion is another cause of navicular separate from over-feeding. The result is the same, however - inflammation of the foot that can result in lameness that may be temporary or permanent. Horses asked to pound along on hard ground for extended periods or asked to jump over and over may develop problems with the tendons and bones in their feet. Heavier horses, like warmbloods, are especially susceptible. These horses are often exceptionally talented at showing and jumping, which makes their susceptibility to lameness a true tragedy.
Other causes include standing too much, as when a horse is confined to a stall and not allowed sufficient time out at exercise. Forcing growth with rich feed, as is commonly done with thoroughbred youngsters destined for the yearling sales, can have detrimental effects. Race horses and show animals are routinely stalled for their protection, given demanding training schedules, and kept on high energy feeds.
Improper shoeing or trimming can contribute to unsoundness. If the foot is not properly balanced, with the weight spread evenly from toe to heel, the bones of the foot may shift out of position over time. Long toes and heels allowed to slope too far under the foot are less than ideal, and this configuration puts strain on the tendon that passes over the navicular bone and connects to another bone called the coffin bone. If the coffin bone is pulled out of alignment, lameness will result.
Lush grass is a danger to all horses and ponies and should be limited. Feed rooms must be securely closed to keep greedy horses out. Exercise programs should be designed with the animal's age and conformation in mind, and riding done over firm but yielding ground. Owners who want their horses to stay sound should learn how to make sure their farrier is doing a good job.
About the Author:
Navicular disease is a syndrome that's found in horses. Learn more about this condition by reading the informative blog at http://www.naviculardisease.com.
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