[Chronic disease of the two sesamoid bones of the lower foot of the horse].

The research article discusses the causes and development of navicular bone disease and sesamoidosis in horses. The study highlights similarities between these diseases and suggests a link to circulatory problems.

About the Research

The study primarily pertains to the understanding of two chronic conditions, navicular bone disease and sesamoidosis, that affect the sesamoid bones in a horse’s lower foot. The researchers aim to elaborate on the causes — also known as the aetiology — as well as the pathogenesis, which refers to the biological mechanism that leads to the development of these diseases.

Comparison to Other Diseases

• The researchers found similarities between these conditions and other forms of degenerative diseases, notably, arthrosis. These similarities are primarily seen in the signs of degeneration that occur within and around the joint (intra and juxta-articular signs).
• Such degeneration is observed when the tissues within the joints start to break down due to age, illness, or injury, affecting the movement and causing pain in animals.

Role of Circulatory Disturbances

• The study posits that circulatory disturbances, caused by partial or complete occlusion in arteries (arterial occlusion), could be a significant cause of these diseases. This occlusion, in turn, is triggered by arteriosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels harden, affecting the blood supply.
• This lack of sufficient blood supply could lead to the degeneration of anatomical structures in the foot.

Overloading as a Cause

• Additionally, the researchers argue that overloading, or putting too much weight or stress on the horse’s foot, may not be a major cause of these diseases.
• While it’s not ruled out entirely and could play into the pathogenesis (development) of these conditions, it is comparatively less significant than the role of circulatory disturbances.

Future Research Recommendations

• Despite these findings, the researchers suggest that to understand the cause of arteriosclerosis fully — and by extension of these horse foot diseases — more in-depth and fundamental research is needed.