Histological study of navicular bone disease.
Abstract: A histological investigation of navicular bones from 8 horses with navicular disease was carried out to investigate the aetiology of the radiological findings. Two of the horses were double labelled with tetracycline before slaughter in order to assess the vitality of the diseased navicular bone. The examinations revealed no evidence of loss of vitality in the diseased bone areas or in surrounding tissues. A very high rate of remodelling indicated by resorption and formation of bone was present in all cases. This was shown microscopically by the high number of osteoclasts and osteoblasts present, osteoid formation and particularly by a high rate of intravital uptake of tetracycline by the bone. The findings are considered to indicate that navicular disease is not primarily caused by ischaemia and subsequent necrosis, but rather is a consequence of increased activation of bone remodelling caused by altered pressure from the deep flexor tendon on the bone and increased load on the caudal part of the foot. This is further supported by the clinical changes seen after alterations occur in the hoof conformation. The disease is, therefore, considered to be reversible and may be alleviated by altering the load on the navicular bone by special shoeing. Only secondary lesions such as adhesions and spur formation render the disease irreversible.
Publication Date: 1982-07-01 PubMed ID: 7106082DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1982.tb02391.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
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This study examines the bone disease found in the navicular bones of horses, debunking the traditional belief that such disease is caused by ischemia (insufficient blood supply) and necrosis (cell death). Instead, the research indicates that the disease is a result of increased pressure from the deep flexor tendon and increased load on the back part of the foot, factors which can potentially be controlled through specialized shoeing.
About the Research
- The research involved a detailed histological study (study of the microscopic structure of tissues) of navicular bones from 8 horses diagnosed with navicular disease.
- The aim was to better understand the causes behind the disease and the observed radiological findings associated with it. Two of the studied horses were double-labelled with tetracycline, an antibiotic used to highlight bone growth and changes, prior to euthanization to assess the vitality of the diseased bone.
Key Findings
- The investigations found no loss of vitality in the affected parts of the bone or in surrounding tissues, contrary to previous beliefs about the disease.
- Instead, the study identified a very high rate of bone remodelling, a dynamic process by which bone is continuously broken down (resorption) and formed, in all of the studied cases.
- Microscopic analysis revealed a high presence of osteoclasts (cells that breakdown bone) and osteoblasts (cells that form bone), indicating active bone remodelling.
- A high rate of tetracycline uptake into the bone also pointed towards increased bone remodelling process.
Implications
- These findings challenge the previous belief that navicular disease was primarily a result of ischemia and subsequent necrosis. Instead, the research suggests that the disease is a result of increased bone remodelling caused by modified pressure due to the deep flexor tendon and an elevated load on the rear part of the foot.
- Additionally, these findings imply potential for managing the disease through changes in hoof conformation, such as specialized shoeing, to alleviate the increased pressure and load on the navicular bone.
- It was determined that the disease could be reversible, with only secondary lesions, such as adhesions and spurs making it irreversible.
Cite This Article
APA
Ostblom L, Lund C, Melsen F.
(1982).
Histological study of navicular bone disease.
Equine Vet J, 14(3), 199-202.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1982.tb02391.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Diseases / pathology
- Bone Diseases / veterinary
- Carpal Bones / pathology
- Foot Diseases / pathology
- Forelimb
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Osborn ML, Cornille JL, Blas-Machado U, Uhl EW. The equine navicular apparatus as a premier enthesis organ: Functional implications. Vet Surg 2021 May;50(4):713-728.
- Bentley VA, Sample SJ, Livesey MA, Scollay MC, Radtke CL, Frank JD, Kalscheur VL, Muir P. Morphologic changes associated with functional adaptation of the navicular bone of horses. J Anat 2007 Nov;211(5):662-72.
- Gabrie A, Detilleux J, Jolly S, Reginster J-Y, Collin B, Dessy-Doizé C. Morphometric study of the equine navicular bone: age-related changes and influence of exercise. Vet Res Commun 1999 Jan;23(1):15-40.
- Gabriel A, Jolly S, Detilleux J, Dessy-Doize C, Collin B, Reginster JY. Morphometric study of the equine navicular bone: variations with breeds and types of horse and influence of exercise. J Anat 1998 Nov;193 ( Pt 4)(Pt 4):535-49.
- Doige CE, Hoffer MA. Pathological changes in the navicular bone and associated structures of the horse. Can J Comp Med 1983 Oct;47(4):387-95.
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