Researchers Document Rare Navicular Bone Condition

A rare malformation of the navicular bone that often results in chronic lameness is congenital rather than related to wear or injury, a new study that was published in BMC Veterinary Research suggests.

Researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Ghent University in Belgium documented three cases of navicular bone partitions that are delineated by defects, covered by smooth cartilage and range from shallow dents to full-depth separations connected only by fibrous tissue. The abnormalities often are mistaken for fractures or other injuries, but are presented at birth, the researchers say.

Vets Must Be “Religious” When Taking Radiographs Of Feet

Before asking farriers to base their trim and shoeing on radiographs, veterinarians must ensure they are high quality, Auburn University equine vet Debra Taylor told attendees at last winter’s American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) annual convention.

“If you’re seeing two branches of your shoe, your farrier can’t use that radiograph,” says the associate professor of clinical sciences. “You need to focus on standardized techniques, such as making sure you’re level with the ground. Otherwise, it’s not fair to talk to a farrier about the films. If you want a farrier to tweak breakover, know how much sole depth there is or tweak the palmar angle, then you need to be religious about how you acquire films.”

Scientists Explore How Horseshoes Affect Live Skeletal Foot

An international research team is using three-dimensional X-ray imaging technology with computer simulations and models to demonstrate the…