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Pathophysiology of navicular syndrome
R R Pool1, D M Meagher, S M Stover
1School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Navicular syndrome in horses stems from faulty foot conformation, leading to bone remodeling and pain. This degenerative disorder involves pressure on the sesamoid bone, causing inflammation and clinical signs.
Area of Science:
- Equine Orthopedics
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Navicular syndrome is a common degenerative condition in horses.
- It is characterized by changes in the distal sesamoid bone, often linked to biomechanical factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the pathomechanism of navicular syndrome.
- To explain the role of faulty foot conformation in disease development.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the biomechanical forces and subsequent bone response.
- Pathophysiological processes including bone remodeling and vascular changes are examined.
Main Results:
- Faulty conformation leads to sustained, nonphysiologic pressure from the deep digital flexor tendon on the sesamoid bone.
- This pressure triggers intense bone remodeling, hyperemia, and edema within the medullary cavity.
- Edema organization leads to venous entrapment, hypertension, and vascular bone pain, initiating clinical signs.
Conclusions:
- Navicular syndrome is initiated by biomechanical stress due to conformation.
- The bone's response to this stress results in vascular compromise and pain.
- Understanding this mechanism is crucial for managing equine foot lameness.