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 caused by too much rich grass or grain. It usually happens in the spring, when horses are turned out into lush pastures, or when an animal gets into the feed room and eats several days ration at once. Grass founder may take a week or so to show up, but the reaction to grain can happen in 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.
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.
Veterinarians also say that navicular problems can be caused by too much standing, as when a horse is confined to a stall. It is best to turn horses out into fields and paddocks where they can move around at will. Race and show horses which are under heavy work and spend the rest of the time in a stall are particularly at risk.
Proper trimming and shoeing is important. The natural balance and angles of the foot and leg must be maintained for optimum soundness. If the toes are allowed to get too long and the heels to slope too far forward under the foot, stress is put on the deep tendon that passes over the navicular bone and attaches to the coffin bone, another internal part of the hoof. Heels should also be allowed to spread naturally; contracted or too-narrow heels lead to foot problems.
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 caused by too much rich grass or grain. It usually happens in the spring, when horses are turned out into lush pastures, or when an animal gets into the feed room and eats several days ration at once. Grass founder may take a week or so to show up, but the reaction to grain can happen in 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.
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.
Veterinarians also say that navicular problems can be caused by too much standing, as when a horse is confined to a stall. It is best to turn horses out into fields and paddocks where they can move around at will. Race and show horses which are under heavy work and spend the rest of the time in a stall are particularly at risk.
Proper trimming and shoeing is important. The natural balance and angles of the foot and leg must be maintained for optimum soundness. If the toes are allowed to get too long and the heels to slope too far forward under the foot, stress is put on the deep tendon that passes over the navicular bone and attaches to the coffin bone, another internal part of the hoof. Heels should also be allowed to spread naturally; contracted or too-narrow heels lead to foot problems.
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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