Navicular disease (now often called palmar foot pain syndrome) is a leading cause of chronic forelimb lameness in horses. Modern understanding and management approaches can significantly improve quality of life.
Chronic navicular pain significantly affects horse welfare, causing reluctance to work, shortened stride, and behavioral changes indicating discomfort. Horses managed with appropriate shoeing, rest, and medication can maintain good quality of life and even return to work. Early diagnosis through advanced imaging prevents prolonged undiagnosed pain. Retirement to light work or pasture is often the most welfare-positive long-term outcome for severely affected horses.