Posted by Rick Burten on March 30, 2003 at 09:18:46:
In Reply to: navicular diagnoses posted by Diana on March 29, 2003 at 11:34:54:
: My horse... a 16.3h 8 year old Irish gelding was diagnosed yesterday with navicular disease.
How was the diagnosis made?
:My vet told me to put him on bute and get him some heels!
Please describe your horse's overall conformation and specifically that of his lower leg and hoof.
:He does not believe in isoxiprin or anything else. I am unsure of what to do... I read about the heels being left longer and I will send this to my farrier tomorrow.
Merely leaving the heels longer is not the answer and may be,depending on conformation, contra-indicated.
:My question though is... what kind of work do i put him back into and do i bring him back in gradually? or right back at it?
You must first discover the cause(s) of the problem and remediate them and palliate the pain. Once the horse is sound, start him back to work gradually, as one would do for any athlete. I would avoid any work that causes hyperextension of the front limbs(jumping, hard gallops, extended trots)as well as any work on very hard ground. You will have to see how well he tolerates the exercise and base is work on that.
: Seems that everyone I ask here in England has a completely different opinion. (hard ground/soft ground/hacking no circles/ circles no hacking)
Well, you know what they say about opinions......
I would avoid small circles , but large slow circles , done in moderation, should not adversely affect the horse.
:This is my first horse and I am flying by the seat of my pants over here. Being a Canadian without an english accent, I am having trouble getting support (sorry I sound a little bitter... but there is a book awaiting publication on my London experiences!). I was hoping to get some counsel that I understand.
Your vet must first determine whether this is Navicular Syndrome, which is generally accepted as involving only soft tissues, or Navicular Disease which also involves bony changes. NS is much easier to deal with, and has a better prognosis. In either event, placing the breakover in the correct location, providing proper heel support, insuring M/L and A/P balance, leaving sufficient sole cover, IOW proper/correct trimming and shoeing, will go a long way towards helping your horse. Short term, medical pain relief may be indicated.
:The shoeing info I have read here has all been extremely clear to me and I will do it immediately. :I am also interested in this Gallium Nitrate treatment... any negative effects or reactions/ responses from it?
You can do a search of the archives here and get the answer to these questions. Just type in "Gallium" or "Gallium Nitrate" hit the "Search" button, and voila' the information should appear.
: Thanks, Diana
Rick