In the December 2008 issue of Equus Magazine there is a fascinating article on Navicular syndrome. Take time to read the article in it's entirety and learn about the research and the pros and cons of ways for treating this hoof problem. As part of that effort, some experts have been investigating whether natural hoof care which stresses the importance of trimming and a natural lifestyle versus shoeing can alleviate the pain suffered with navicular. Natural hoof care advocates stress that rather than using egg-bar shoes or other types of corrective shoeing, trimming the hoof in order to return the hoof to it's natural state is the best solution. No one treatment will work for all horses, because of all the different variables in each case. What is certain is that if the only way to treat the syndrome is the conventional way, there would be no interest in trying the natural way to begin with. When it comes down to bare facts, the aim of both traditional shoeing and barefoot trimming is to alleviate the pain in and around the navicular bone. Therapeutic shoeing is done by increasing the angulation of the foot by raising the heels. This is in attempt to decrease pressure on the navicular bone from the deep flexor tendon and to protect the rear third of the hoof from loading pressure. This may provide temporary relief think natural hoof advocates, but will make things worse in the long run. It is believed that lowering the heel is crucial, distributing load bearing across the frog, bars and sole which will encourage the horse to stride normally with the heel hitting ground first.
It is the belief of Dr. Robert J. Bowker, a reknown barefoot advocate that barefoot is the way to go in the treatment of navicular. Dr. Bowker has spent years researching into the physiology and biochemics of the equine foot. He believes that when you raise the heel you have shifted the focal point of the load to a new area but it is only a matter of time when the new area becomes inflamed and then the horse eventually goes down hill again. Even distribution is believed to be of utmost importance, a hoof with a barefoot trim, the frog, bars and sole all share in weight bearing. It is also recommended that the horses be kept on a surface that has enough give to conform to the sole of the foot, but enough firmness to provide beneficial pressure and stimulation to the frog, bars and internal structures. Pea gravel is very suitable to this purpose.
Also in addition in this issue is the story of "Joey" from the Houston Mounted Patrol whose career was nearly ended with his episode of navicular. After the physiological trim he received he returned to soundness and to his duties sometimes wearing hoof boots for protection and cushioning of his still sensitive hooves. He continued to serve the force and today is still sound loving life, retired at a local stable. EasyCare agrees!
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