Navicular disease (more accurately termed palmar foot pain or caudal foot pain syndrome) is one of the most common causes of chronic forelimb lameness in horses, particularly in warmbloods and sport horses. It causes persistent pain and significantly affects quality of life if not well managed.
The navicular bone (distal sesamoid) lies within the hoof capsule, cushioned by the navicular bursa and articulating with the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). "Navicular disease" encompasses several related pathologies: degeneration of the navicular bone, damage to the DDFT as it passes around the navicular, and bursa inflammation. Modern MRI imaging has transformed understanding of these conditions — many horses previously diagnosed with "navicular" have DDFT lesions or other pathologies.
Classic presentation: bilateral forelimb lameness worse on circles and hard ground; "pointing" (resting one forelimb) at rest; short, pottery gait. Diagnosis: nerve blocks (palmar digital nerve block improving lameness), X-rays (bony changes), and MRI (soft tissue changes). MRI provides the most complete diagnostic picture.
With appropriate management, many navicular horses maintain good quality of life for years, though performance expectations must be adjusted. Horses in significant uncontrolled pain require prompt escalation of treatment or humane euthanasia. Regular veterinary and farriery review enables timely management adjustments.