Navicular Disease in Horses: Welfare-Centered Management
Navicular disease (podotrochlosis) is a progressive condition affecting the navicular bone and associated structures, causing chronic forelimb lameness and welfare challenges.
Key Facts
- Affects the navicular bone, bursa, and deep digital flexor tendon in the foot
- Causes progressive forelimb lameness, toe-pointing stance, and reluctance to move
- Management includes corrective farriery, medication, and lifestyle modification
- Modern imaging (MRI) has improved diagnosis and targeted treatment
- Prevention focuses on appropriate exercise, hoof care, and conformation selection
Welfare Considerations
Navicular disease creates chronic pain welfare challenges for affected horses. The progressive nature means management is lifelong, requiring ongoing assessment of pain levels and quality of life. Multimodal pain management combining corrective shoeing, anti-inflammatory medication, nerve blocks, and bisphosphonate therapy can significantly improve welfare and function. Horses with well-managed navicular disease can maintain acceptable welfare and even continue in appropriate work. Regular farriery and veterinary partnership are essential to welfare maintenance.
What You Can Do
- Work with a vet and farrier experienced in navicular management
- Maintain regular, appropriate farriery intervals
- Use appropriate anti-inflammatory medication to manage pain
- Provide consistent, appropriate exercise that does not worsen lameness
- Consider retirement to appropriate light work when pain cannot be controlled