Bisphosphonates are a class of phosphorus-containing chemical compounds that inhibit bone resorption. | Photo: iStock

For years, equine veterinarians relied on drugs, corrective shoeing, and surgery to help horses suffering from navicular syndrome to minimize discomfort and disease progression.

Also known as podotrochlosis, navicular syndrome is the degeneration of the navicular bone nestled near the coffin bone near the rear of the horse’s foot, along with its associated structures. Management of this disease changed significantly in 2014 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved bisphosphonates for treatment. Despite the availability of this newer treatment option, success rates—in terms of improvement in lameness grade—hovered around the 67% mark, leaving many horses in continued pain.

Recently, Texas A&M researchers reviewed the current body of knowledge surrounding bisphosphonates and their use in horses. Their goal, they wrote, was to “discuss the current understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of BPs in equine veterinary medicine and highlight the future utility of these potentially highly beneficial drugs