Navicular Syndrome in Horses: Welfare and Management

Navicular syndrome encompasses degenerative conditions of the navicular bone and associated structures causing chronic forelimb lameness in horses, requiring long-term management to maintain welfare.

Key Facts

Navicular syndrome affects the navicular bone, navicular bursa, and deep digital flexor tendon in the foot
Quarter horse breeds are disproportionately affected due to genetic conformation factors
Signs include intermittent or progressive forelimb lameness, pointing at rest, and stumbling
MRI has transformed diagnosis by distinguishing between different structural lesions in the syndrome
Management includes corrective shoeing, bisphosphonate medication, and surgical neurectomy in refractory cases

Welfare Considerations

Navicular syndrome causes chronic pain that progressively limits exercise tolerance and impairs normal weight distribution, causing compensatory postural changes that can affect other joints. Affected horses may be retired from work or maintained at reduced levels with appropriate analgesia and farriery. The emotional welfare impact of reduced work in performance horses should be acknowledged, as horses are motivated to move and exercise. Long-term management requires regular veterinary and farriery assessment to adapt support as the condition progresses. Neurectomy relieves pain but removes protective sensation, requiring careful post-operative management.

What You Can Do

Seek early specialist assessment of progressive forelimb lameness in breeds predisposed to navicular syndrome
Work with an experienced farrier to develop corrective shoeing appropriate for the individual horse
Follow veterinary recommendations for bisphosphonate or other medical management consistently
Monitor post-neurectomy horses closely for foot injuries that they may not feel due to reduced sensation