Diagnosis and treatment of the navicular syndrome in horses.

This research discusses diagnosing and different approaches to treating navicular syndrome in horses. It mentions that despite being a progressive disease which eventually causes lameness, 50% of the horses can become useably sound for a year with treatment. The treatment predominantly includes shoeing, supported by other medical approaches when necessary.

Understanding Navicular Syndrome

• Navicular syndrome is a condition that affects horses, causing lameness over time. Despite the eventual outcome, the disease can be managed, and the horse’s quality of life significantly improved by a variety of treatments.
• The research mentions that the syndrome can have caused by multiple factors, emphasizing the necessity for diverse approaches to its treatment.

Treatment Methodology

• The primary treatment approach recommended by the study is shoeing, a process that corrects structural problems to the horse’s feet and ensures an appropriate physiological balance. The author views this as a critical first step in the management of the syndrome and believes it should be implemented regardless of the specific cause.
• The research acknowledges that even though shoeing is at the center of treatment, additional medical interventions might be required in certain circumstances.

Additional Interventions

• If there is a distinct inflammation to the distal interphalangeal joint synovitis, the author suggests the use of either sodium hyaluronate or polysulfated glycosaminoglycans in conjunction with shoeing.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are introduced only if severe adjustments have been made in the shoeing process.
• If the circulation to the affected area is notably reduced, the horse can be prescribed isoxsuprine hydrochloride, but only if shoeing alone hasn’t yielded improvements within 6 weeks.
• Should these therapeutic measures fail to show improvement anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks, a more drastic approach of palmar digital neurectomy is recommended. This procedure involves severing the nerve to provide pain relief.

Outcome Following Treatment

• The research mentions a 50% success rate with the combined treatments, where the horses can potentially become useably sound for up to a year. However, it is noted that even with this success, the disease’s progressive nature will eventually necessitate the horse’s retirement.