Ridecamp: Re: [RC] navicular horse

> So, in this crowd this may be a useless question, but does anyone even
> *know* of a horse that has been nerved? I know it's wrong, but it's
> probably the least wrong of the options I see.

I know of lots, including one of my first horses (a Saddlebred lo these many
years ago).  It's worth mentioning that nerving (done right) doesn't
desensitize the entire foot.  The digital nerve is cut after it bifurcates
into the palmar and dorsal branches.  The dorsal branch ennervating the toe
is left intact, the palmar branch is cut so only the heel (including the
navicular bone and bursa) is desensitized.  You *can* cut the nerve higher
up to desensitize the entire foot, but then you do have the problems of the
horse not being able to feel abcesses, etc.  Actually denerving the entire
foot was taught to me as being malpractice for any horse still being ridden,
or without a very good reason.

Two, it used to be that neurectomies didn't always work out because either
the nerve would grow back, or cause a neuroma (very painful).  However,
they've improved the surgical techniques so that happens much, much, much
less often.  Just find a vet that is able/willing to do perineural capping
technique or has laser available (the very best option).

I would present the scenario that either she should be willing to relieve
the horse's pain with a neurectomy, or do him the favor of putting him down.

Susan G



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