Navicular syndrome causes chronic foot pain in horses and is a leading cause of forelimb lameness. Evidence-based management can maintain quality of life and working ability for many affected horses.
Navicular syndrome welfare management requires long-term commitment to pain control, appropriate shoeing, and work modifications. Horses with navicular pain that goes unrecognized or undertreated experience chronic suffering that affects every aspect of their daily life. The traditional view that navicular horses must be retired immediately has been challenged by evidence that careful management can maintain acceptable welfare and some working capacity for many years. Key welfare indicators - willingness to move, gait quality, response to palpation - guide management decisions. Horses whose pain cannot be adequately controlled despite comprehensive management face a welfare situation where humane euthanasia may be the kindest option.