Treatment of equine lameness
The treatment of equine lameness is a complex subject. Lameness in horses has a variety of causes, and treatment must be tailored to the type and degree of injury, as well as the financial capabilities of the owner. Treatment may be applied locally, systemically, or intralesionally, and the strategy for treatment may change as healing progresses. The end goal is to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with injury, to encourage the injured tissue to heal with normal structure and function, and to ultimately return the horse to the highest level of performance possible following recovery.
The callus formed due to splint bone injury can become large and put pressure on the suspensory ligament.
The act of standing can place considerable strain on a fracture site.
Healing of soft tissue injury is often monitored with ultrasound.
Horses are often confined to small paddocks to help reduce movement.
Navicular syndrome, often called navicular disease, is a syndrome of lameness problems in horses. It most commonly describes an inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues, usually on the front feet. It can lead to significant and even disabling lameness.
Cross section of horse foot. The relevant areas are: 2. Second phalanx. 4. Coffin bone. 6. Navicular bone. 9. Deep digital flexor tendon. 16. Plantar cushion. 17. Hoof.