A Look at Navicular Syndrome in Horses

Navicular Syndrome

Navicular syndrome is a "catch all" phrase describing chronic forelimb lameness caused by pain stemming from the navicular bone and related structures. | Photo: Stephanie L. Church, Editor-in-Chief

Horses Affected by Navicular Syndrome

Navicular syndrome is typically diagnosed in mature horses 4 to 15 years old. It is most common in Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, and Warmblood geldings. | Photo: iStock

Navicular Bone

The navicular bone is a small, cartilage-covered, boat-shaped bone located at the back of the horse's foot (circled in red). When it's not healthy or functioning properly, the navicular bone and it's associated structures can cause severe pain in horses and is the leading reason for front-limb lameness. | Photo: Erica Larson, News Editor

Diagnosing Navicular Syndrome

To diagnose navicular syndrome, veterinarians rely on the horse's history and a complete physical and lameness exam. Here, a horse is longed in a small circle to check his gait for abnormalities. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Hoof Testers

A veterinarian can use hoof testers to identify painful areas in the hoof possibly associated with navicular syndrome. | Photo: Courtesy Dechra

MRI

MRI is considered the “gold standard” for identifying abnormalities contributing to caudal heel pain. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

NSAIDS

Veterinarians might prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage pain associated with navicular syndrome. | Photo: The Horse Staff

Therapeutic Shoeing

Navicular syndrome treatment includes rest, controlled exercise, and corrective trimming and shoeing by a knowledgeable farrier in accordance to veterinarian recommendations. | Photo: Erica Larson, News Editor

Injections

Veterinarians also recommend various medical, surgical, and alternative/complementary therapies for managing navicular pain, such as injecting corticosteroids, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAGs), and/or hyaluronic acid into the distal (lower) interphalangeal (coffin) joint or navicular bursa. | Photo: Mathea Kelley

FDA-Approved Biophosphonate Drugs

A veterinarian might administer an FDA-approved bisphosphonate drug, which reduces resorption of bone mineral and decreases abnormal bone metabolism in horses with navicular syndrome. | Photo: Courtesy Dechra

Benefits of Aggressive Treatment for Navicular Syndrome

Aggressive treatment early in the course of the condition might keep a horse with navicular syndrome comfortable and extend his athletic career. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse