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Understanding Navicular Syndrome in Horses: How to Address the Issue
- martinthefarrier
- Jun 12
- 6 min read
What is Navicular Syndrome?
Navicular syndrome, also known as navicular disease or palmar foot pain, is a condition in horses that affects not only the navicular bone but also the surrounding structures. It involves wear and tear of the navicular bone, the navicular bursa (a fluid-filled sac), and the deep digital flexor tendon, which runs over the navicular bone.
Horses with navicular syndrome often show signs of chronic lameness, especially in the front feet. They may have a shorter stride, a choppy gait, and tend to place more weight on the toe of the hoof to avoid heel pain.
Although navicular disease is a degenerative condition, early detection, good hoof care, and effective management can help horses live comfortable, active lives.
The Navicular Bone
The navicular bone is a small, boat-shaped bone in the back of your horse's hoof, and it's a pretty big deal when it comes to how they move. Here's why:
Location and Structure
It's tucked between the second phalanx (short pastern bone or P2) and the third phalanx (coffin bone or P3).
It sits just behind the deep digital flexor tendon, which wraps around it and attaches to the coffin bone.
Functions
Pivot Point: The navicular bone works like a pivot, helping the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) pull on the coffin bone without getting pinched during movement.
Tendon Glide: As your horse moves, the navicular bone and navicular bursa (a fluid-filled sac) provides a smooth surface for the DDFT to glide over.
Shock Absorber: The navicular bone and the surrounding structures helps absorb shock during the horse's movement, preventing the foot from injury.
Flexibility and Movement: The navicular bone allows for smoother and more efficient movement, especially when your horse is galloping or making quick turns.
Support and Stability: It works with the surrounding tendons, ligaments, and the navicular bursa to keep the hoof structure stable and sturdy.
In a nutshell, the navicular bone helps your horse move more comfortably and efficiently. By taking good care of their hooves and keeping an eye on any issues, you can help keep this little bone and the rest of the hoof in top shape!
Causes of Navicular Syndrome
There are few things that can cause Navicular Syndrome, here are a few for you to take note of:
Poor Hoof Conformation: Some horses just have hoof shapes that make them more likely to get Navicular Syndrome, like long toes and low heels, or narrow, upright feet. Smaller hooves in proportion to their body also tend to be more prone to Navicular Syndrome.
Improper Trimming and Shoeing: If their hooves aren't trimmed or shod correctly, it can throw things off balance and put extra stress on the navicular bone.
Genetics: Certain breeds, like American Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and Warmbloods, are more prone to this condition because of their genes. It is rarely seen in Arabians. Friesians and ponies.
Overwork: Horses that are worked too hard, especially on hard surfaces, can end up with Navicular Syndrome due to all the repetitive stress on their hooves.
Injury: Any trauma or injury to the hoof can kickstart or worsen the condition.
Age and Wear: As horses get older, the structures in their hooves naturally start to wear down, making them more susceptible to Navicular Syndrome. Affected horses are usually between the ages of 7-14.
Signs and Symptoms
Here are some signs & symptoms to take note of that could indicate that your horse suffers from this condition:
Chronic Lameness: You'll notice your horse limping, especially in the front feet. The lameness might come and go but often gets worse after heavy work and temporarily improves after rest. Horses are typically more lame on hard surfaces.
Shortened Stride: Your horse might take shorter steps to avoid putting too much weight on their heels.
Choppy Gait: Their movement might look a bit uneven and choppy as they try to avoid the pain.
Toe-First Landing: Instead of landing on their heels, they might start landing on their toes to avoid heel pain.
Reluctance to Move: They might not be too keen on moving around or doing tasks that require quick or precise movements.
Sensitivity to Hoof Testers: When the vet uses hoof testers to apply pressure, your horse might show signs of pain, especially around the heel area.
Heel Pain: They might show discomfort or pain when you press on the heel area.
If you see any of these signs in your horse, it's a good idea to call in a vet and farrier for a proper check-up and treatment plan. Early detection and management can help keep your horse comfy and happy!
Diagnosis
Vets and farriers diagnose Navicular Syndrome through a combination of physical exams, hoof tests, and advanced imaging techniques. Here are some of the ways a diagnosis occurs.
Physical Exam: The vet will start with a good look at your horse's legs and hooves. They'll check for any signs of lameness, pain, and anything weird with the hoof shape.
Hoof Testers: The vet uses hoof testers to press on different parts of the hoof to see where it hurts. If your horse reacts around the heel area, it could be Navicular Syndrome.
Nerve Blocks: To pinpoint the pain, the vet might use local anaesthesia by numbing specific areas of the hoof. If your horse walks better after a nerve block, it's a good sign the problem is in that area.
Imaging: They might use X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to get a detailed look inside the hoof. This helps them see any changes or issues with the navicular bone and other structures.
Farrier's Assessment: The farrier will also check your horse's hooves for balance and proper trimming. They'll work with the vet to come up with a treatment plan that includes proper hoof care.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for Navicular Syndrome, but not one size fits all. The best approach often depends on the severity of the condition and the individual horse. Navicular disease is a chronic condition, and treatment is often a long-term process.
Here are some common treatments:
Proper Hoof Care: Regular trimming and shoeing by a good farrier are super important. Corrective shoeing can help balance the weight and take the strain off the navicular bone.
Pain Management: Using meds like phenylbutazone (bute) can help manage pain and inflammation.
Rest and Controlled Exercise: Give your horse some rest and ease up on the workload. Controlled exercise, like walking on soft surfaces, can also help.
Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections can give temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
Bisphosphonates: Medications like Tildren and Osphos can help manage the bone changes associated with Navicular Syndrome.
Supportive Therapies: Things like cold therapy and therapeutic ultrasound can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Surgical Options: In really severe cases, surgery might be an option to address specific issues within the hoof.
A multifaceted approach, including hoof care, medication, and therapies, is often the most effective way in dealing with Navicular Syndrome.
Preventive Measures
Preventing Navicular Syndrome involves a combination of good hoof care, proper nutrition, and appropriate exercise. Here are some tips to help keep your horse healthy and avoid Navicular Syndrome:
Regular Hoof Care: Get your horse's hooves trimmed and checked regularly by a skilled farrier. Proper hoof balance and shoeing are key to preventing imbalances that can stress the navicular bone.
Proper Nutrition: Feed your horse a balanced diet with the right nutrients to support hoof health. Supplements like biotin, methionine, and zinc can be helpful.
Appropriate Exercise: Avoid overworking your horse, especially on hard surfaces. Mix up their exercise routine with a bit of walking, trotting, and cantering on soft ground.
Avoid High-Impact Activities: Limit activities that put excessive strain on the hooves, like jumping or intense training on hard surfaces.
Monitor Hoof Health: Keep an eye on your horse's hooves for any signs of issues, like cracks or imbalances, and sort them out promptly.
Genetic Considerations: If your horse is from a breed prone to Navicular Syndrome, be extra vigilant with their hoof care and workload.
Conclusion
Understanding Navicular Syndrome is crucial for horse owners because it helps them recognise the signs early and take action to manage the condition. Regular vet check-ups are essential for early detection and creating tailored treatment plans that address the specific needs of each horse. By staying on top of hoof care, managing pain, and working closely with your vet and farrier, you can ensure your horse stays comfortable and active. While Navicular Syndrome is not a curable disease, with the right care and proactive measures, horses with Navicular Syndrome can still lead happy, healthy lives.
All blog posts are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical or veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or farrier for specific medical conditions or concerns.
