Navicular syndrome / Equine podiatrist

[tracy_mac2]

Can anyone offer me some help /advice for my 10 year old
Dutch Warmblood horse. He was diagnosed with Navicular syndrome 12months ago & is currently taking ‘Danilon Equidos’
each day to help his pain & also has remedial traditional bars shoes (wedged up@ the back) – but this has only slightly improved things.

His problem is not helped by the fact that he also has a ‘bone spavin’ (which he has had since he was 5yr’s old).
I am told Richard Vialls is very good & perhaps an equine podiatrist could help ? or at least help to get him comfortable & hopefully
back to doing some form of ‘hacking’ ?

I would welcome feedback or advice from anyone who has experience similar to mine & has benefited from an Equine podiatrist,
especially with a Horse that suffers from Navicular ?

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

many thanks
tracy mac

 

[sally2008]

Can I also suggest that you discuss alternative shoeing options with your farrier. Many vets seem to prescribe bar shoes for no other reason that they've always done so, despite the fact that there are more effective and modern alternatives now available which don't produce the problems bar shoes do.

I have seen several of the better informed farriers getting excellent results with horses diagnosed as having navicular syndrome and would caution you to check carefully into the qualifications of anyone describing themselves as an EP. Many are thoroughly knowledgeable and well trained but I know of several who have set up in business after attending nothing more than a 4 day course. I know nothing of the gentleman you mention and I'm not suggesting he is one of the latter before anyone jumps on me! LOL!

Good luck in your search for a way forward for your ned.

 

[Agent XXX999]

Why so you use so many 'nverted commas' there really is 'no need'!!!!!!! This post should possibly be in 'vets' too!

I think you should discuss with your vet the best course of action before you change anything.

You should also talk to your farrier with regards to what he reccomends. Does he wear raised heels on his hinds?

If you are not happy with the way your farrier is shoeing your horse I would look for a remedial farrier in your area and talk through with him and your vets the options that you have. A remedial farrier (ie a qualified farrier that specialises in corrective shoeing) will be able to reccomend what is right for your horse after a lengthly consultation. Your vet will probably be able to reccomend one to you.

I know some people would reccomend an equine podiatrist however I would state - and if you look at my post half way down this page you will see - that they have had no where near the training of a vet or a farrier.

 

[ISHmad]

Have PM'd you.

 

[brightmount]

I had a horse with navicular; I still have the horse - but not the navicular!

Barefoot podiatry was a resounding success for my horse. She was booked for being PTS when we tried it as a last resort, and she is totally sound and moving better than ever before.

Richard Vialls is one of the leading EPs and you would be in the very best hands if he is local to you. I presume you have his contact info, if not, PM me.

In my experience, EPs will be upfront about what is achievable and the commitment required from the owner. It is very far from trendy mumbo jumbo like some people suggest, and the training is intensive. Just by looking at my horse's feet, my EP was able to diagnose what the MRI scan later revealed.