Navicular syndrome is a leading cause of chronic forelimb lameness in horses, and advances in imaging and treatment have improved welfare outcomes significantly.
Navicular disease causes chronic, often bilateral pain that significantly impacts quality of life. Historically, many horses were maintained in work through repeated nerve blocking, masking pain without addressing its cause. Modern welfare-focused management emphasizes accurate MRI-based diagnosis to identify the specific pathology, followed by targeted treatment. Rehabilitation protocols combining controlled exercise, therapeutic shoeing, and appropriate analgesia aim to reduce pain while maintaining mobility. Euthanasia decisions must consider quality of life honestly when chronic pain cannot be adequately controlled.