![]() ![]() Recently, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) has become the gold standard, and the examination of choice. ![]() To make a more precise diagnosis, and especially in the case of deep digital flexor tendon affection in the foot or in the navicular bursae, ultrasound can be used. however, the lack of abnormalities does not mean the source of the pain does not come from the bone. Many of these radiographic abnormalities can be seen at the same time. Many abnormalities can be observed in the radiographs: the appearance of bone fragments on the ligament insertion on the navicular bone (ligament form of the disease) radiolucent areas or navicular fossa on the distal part of the bone (articular form of the disease) increase or decrease of bone density (osseous form of the disease) or damage to the bone surface in contact with the deep digital flexor tendon (tendinous form of the disease). The articulation between the second and third phalanx. Images of multiple orientations are taken in order to perfectly visualize the navicular bone and Preparation of the foot is important to develop good quality images and the horse may have to be unshod. Then, the diagnosis is specified with radiography. In the case of podotrochlear syndrome, the anesthesia eliminates the lameness in 80 to 90% of cases. ![]() In most cases, a horse with navicular disease tests positive.įinally, to precisely locate the lameness, we can use an anesthesia called « palmar digital analgesia »: a local anesthesia of the foot is performed, and then the horse is led to trot. Flexion is positive if lameness is increased after the test. In the majority of cases, this test is positive on a horse affected by navicular disease.įlexion test: distal articulations are put in flexion for 45 seconds to 1 minute and then the horse is led to trot. The result is positive if the horse tries to get off of the board. An operator keeps the other limb raised while a second operator lifts the board gradually to a 40° angle. This test is often positive on the heels of a horse with navicular disease.īoard test or extension test: the horse’s foot is set on the end of a board. ![]() Test is positive if the horse withdraws his foot under the pressure. Hoof tester: pressure is applied on the affected foot with a specific clamp to localize the painful area. Many mechanical tests help the diagnosis of foot lameness: Then, medical imaging defines its origin. This posture gradually causes waves that appears on the affected foot’s hoof and an increase in the heel’s size.Ī navicular syndrome diagnosis is made in two steps: first, an orthopedic exam allows the localization of the lameness. Owners may notice a decline in performance, a horse taking shorter strides, or a horse which does not want to make sharp turns.Īt rest, when a single limb is affected, the horse often holds the affected limb out in front of him to relieve pain from the navicular area. Lameness is usually worse at the beginning of training and the day after strenuous activity. It is more noticeable when walking on hard ground and potentially affects both forelimbs. Horses with navicular bone pain usually show an intermittent lameness. Aggravating factors also exist, such as work on an irregular or hard ground, repetition of heavy loads (jump reception) or inadequate trimming/shoeing. However, predisposing factors are well-known: horse breed (sport horses are mainly affected), foot conformation (long toe and elusive heels), overfeeding during growth, excessive work at the end of growth or familial predisposition. The word “syndrome” is used because, even if symptoms are similar, there are multiple causes of navicular disease, which are usually unknown. All of these structures make up the podotrochlear apparatus and can be the source of lameness. The navicular bone may be the source of the pain, as well as the surrounding structures (tendons, ligaments, bursae). It refers to foot pain located in the heels. Though the term “navicular disease” is commonly used, the exact term is « podotrochlear syndrome ». No single cause of navicular disease has been identified to date. A cause of lameness in horses, it often leads to an early retirement. Navicular disease or syndrome is a pathology feared by horse owners and riders. ![]()
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