Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Navicular Syndrome Welfare Management

Navicular syndrome causes chronic foot pain in horses and requires comprehensive management to maintain welfare and function.

Key Facts

Navicular syndrome encompasses conditions affecting the navicular bone and associated structures
MRI has transformed diagnosis by identifying specific lesion types guiding targeted treatment
Remedial shoeing and physiotherapy form the basis of conservative management
Palmar digital nerve blocks are used diagnostically and palliatively in some cases
Surgical options including navicular bone surgery have variable success rates

Welfare Considerations

Navicular syndrome causes chronic foot pain that significantly compromises welfare and rideability. Early diagnosis with advanced imaging and targeted management significantly improves welfare outcomes compared to generic remedial shoeing without accurate diagnosis.

What You Can Do

Seek MRI assessment for horses with suspected navicular syndrome for accurate diagnosis
Work with a specialist farrier experienced in remedial shoeing for navicular cases
Implement physiotherapy and appropriate exercise management alongside remedial shoeing