Navicular disease (palmar foot pain syndrome) is a common cause of chronic forelimb lameness in horses. It involves degeneration of the navicular bone and associated structures, causing persistent pain that requires careful long-term management.
Navicular disease causes chronic foot pain that significantly diminishes equine welfare if poorly managed. Affected horses experience persistent discomfort that worsens on hard or uneven surfaces and during work. The pain often causes compensatory movement changes that lead to secondary muscle soreness and postural problems. Because horses suppress overt pain signs, lameness may be advanced before owners recognise the problem. Regular farriery assessment, appropriate work levels, and veterinary pain management are essential. The decision to perform neurectomy — which eliminates pain perception but also sensory feedback — requires careful welfare consideration and regular monitoring for complications.