Navicular disease (podotrochlear syndrome) is a painful chronic condition of the horse's foot. Effective management focuses on pain relief and maintaining mobility for affected horses.
Navicular syndrome causes chronic pain that significantly diminishes quality of life. Horses with untreated or inadequately managed navicular disease experience persistent lameness, reluctance to move, and compensatory postures that create secondary musculoskeletal problems. The progressive nature means welfare deteriorates over time without intervention. Owners face difficult decisions about pain management, retirement from work, and ultimately quality of life assessment. Horses deserve proactive pain management rather than being pushed through lameness.