Navicular disease in the horse. A microangiographic investigation.

The research article explores navicular disease in horses, suggesting it is similar to arthrosis in humans as evidenced through microangiographical studies showing changes in vascular patterns and “pooling” of contrast medium.

Objective of the Research

• The study aimed to investigate navicular disease in horses through microangiography. It focused on examining vascular changes in the navicular bone of diseased horses as compared to healthy ones. Through this, the researchers intended to provide further support to the idea that navicular disease in horses is similar to arthrosis in humans.

Research Methodology

• The principal method for investigation in the study was microangiography, an imaging technique used to visualize small blood vessels.
• By using this technique, researchers compared the vascular patterns of the navicular bone in horses with and without navicular disease.
• The contrast medium, a substance used in imaging to improve the contrast of structures or fluids within the body, was observed, particularly for its subchondral ‘pooling’ under the facies flexoria in affected horses.

Key Findings

• According to the results, the vascular pattern in navicular bones afflicted with the disease was generally preserved, though the blood vessels were found to be dilated.
• Distinct “pooling” of the contrast medium was observed subchondrally (under the cartilage) under facies flexoria, a particular surface of the navicular bone.
• These changes paralleled those typically observed in cases of human arthrosis, a condition involving the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone.

Conclusion and Implications

• The research findings led the researchers to conclude that navicular disease in horses bears a resemblance to human arthrosis, based on the changes observed in the vascular patterns and the behavior of the contrast medium.
• This could have significant implications for the understanding and treatment of navicular disease in horses and may offer new insights into the pathology of human arthrosis as well.