Navicular disease is a progressive, painful condition affecting the equine foot that requires careful management to maintain quality of life in affected horses.
Horses with navicular disease often experience chronic, progressive pain that significantly affects quality of life if unmanaged. Regular farriery, appropriate pain management including NSAIDs, and transition to softer terrain can substantially improve welfare. Retirement from performance demands, rather than euthanasia, is appropriate for many horses when pain is well-controlled.