Equine Navicular Syndrome: Welfare and Long-Term Foot Management

Navicular syndrome causes chronic forelimb pain in horses and requires careful management to maintain welfare and performance quality.

Key Facts

Navicular syndrome involves pain from the navicular bone and associated structures
It is most common in performance horses and those with small feet relative to body mass
Diagnosis requires advanced imaging including MRI for accurate assessment
Corrective shoeing, joint injections, and medication are management mainstays
Some horses require retirement from demanding work to maintain welfare

Welfare Considerations

Horses with navicular syndrome experience chronic forelimb pain that worsens with work on hard ground. The pain causes gait abnormalities, reduced willingness to move, and behavioural changes. Without appropriate management, navicular syndrome progressively worsens as secondary structural changes accumulate. Welfare-focused management includes therapeutic shoeing by qualified farriers, appropriate exercise modification, and timely medication. Early diagnosis through imaging prevents irreversible deterioration.

What You Can Do

Seek specialist veterinary assessment for horses with persistent forelimb lameness
Work with an experienced farrier on corrective shoeing approaches
Follow prescribed medication and exercise modification protocols
Provide appropriate hoof care and monitor for signs of discomfort
Consider quality of life assessment if navicular progression limits welfare