About Navicular disease / Navicular syndrome
Navicular disease or Navicular syndrome is a inflammation or degenerative condition involving the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues, usually of the front feet. It is a complex syndrome and there is no single known cause of Navicular Syndrome, but many theories, although contributing factors include poor conformation (long toe and low heel foot), bad trimming or shoeing, excessive weight to foot area ratio and excessive hoof concussion. It is most commonly first seen in horses aged between 7 and 13 years, although it can affect younger horses.
Symptoms of Navicular disease / Navicular syndrome
There are many symptoms associated with Navicular disease and lameness due to pain in the heel of the hoof is the most common. The pain can vary from mild and intermittent to severe and the lameness often becomes worse if the horse is worked on a hard surface or on a circle. Horses may attempt to walk more on the toes than the heel and may stumble as a result.
Diagnosis of Navicular Syndrome is made by assessing foot conformation, examining the sole of the foot, nerve blocks, x-rays and scintigraphy (injection of radioactive isotope and use of gamma camera).
Treatment of Navicular disease / Navicular syndrome
Although there is no cure for Navicular syndrome and degenerative changes are often non-reversible, treatment can improve the condition. Treatment of Navicular Syndrome may include painkillers, administering drugs to help improve the blood supply to the foot, anti-inflammatories and corrective trimming and/or shoeing.
Prevention of Navicular disease / Navicular syndrome
Good trimming, avoiding long toes with low heels, and avoiding sudden and excessive work on hard ground may help to ease wear and tear of the navicular bone.
