Navicular disease is a common source of chronic lameness and pain in horses. Understanding the condition and evidence-based management options is important for horse welfare.
Navicular disease causes chronic pain that significantly reduces quality of life in affected horses. The insidious onset of the condition means many horses work in significant pain for months or years before diagnosis. The classic presentation of bilateral forelimb lameness, pointing one foot at rest and shortened stride may be attributed to poor going or rider issues rather than pain. Modern diagnostic imaging including MRI allows specific identification of affected structures, enabling more targeted treatment than historical approaches. The welfare priority is accurate diagnosis, appropriate pain management and farriery management that reduces mechanical stress on affected structures. Horses with well-managed navicular syndrome can continue comfortable light work; those with severe pathology may require retirement with ongoing pain management.