It is rare in ponies and Arabians.įurther, It is most common in horses with large, heavy bodies and short feet, but this is not always the case. Yes, while there is nothing set in stone when it comes to Navicular Syndrome in horses, there are some trends that we can see allowing the prediction of this condition.įor example, Navicular Syndrome is common in American Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and Warmblood breeds. Does Navicular Syndrome Have Any Predisposing Factors? The cycle of deterioration in the hoof normally continues and may be accelerated due to increased limb loading. It gives long-term pain relief by numbing the area, but it does not address the underlying cause of the pain. This entails cutting a section of each of the heel (palmar digital) nerves in the back of the pastern. Neurectomy (nerving) can be beneficial for horses with advanced diseases who are unable to be made comfortable in any other manner. Surgical techniques that alter the mechanics of the navicular (such as severing the navicular suspensory ligaments) can be beneficial in some circumstances, but they are case-specific and can be unreliable. Phenylbutazone (bute), firocoxib, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation while also reducing lameness, but they are not always the best choice for long-term maintenance due to the possibility of adverse side effects. These medications function by preventing bone resorption, which makes sense considering that one of the apparent symptoms of Navicular Syndrome is the dissolution of the Navicular Bone. Bisphosphonates are the most often utilized drug class (Osphos and Tildren). Oral or injectable systemic medicines are frequently used as part of the therapy approach. Other Treatment Options For Navicular Syndrome This prevents overextension of the coffin joint, which could cause the navicular to become overloaded. There are a variety of shoe designs, but the fundamental goal is to wedge the horse to the normal axis and keep him on soft ground. The movement of the center of articulation, the alignment of the pastern axis, and the length of the breakover are all crucial aspects of hoof mechanics to consider.Ī bar shoe is frequently used to "guard" the heel by reducing the amount of time it sinks into the ground. The importance of proper trimming and shoeing in the treatment of this problem cannot be overstated. Radiographs are quite useful in guiding the shoeing process. When a horse is diagnosed with a navicular condition, the first step should be a "proper trim." Shoeing then enables further mechanical manipulation, which can help mechanics even more. The majority of horses with navicular syndrome are treated with a combination of personalized medicinal treatments, farriery, and work and activity recommendations over time. Treatment and management options are available once a horse has been diagnosed, but there is no single treatment that will "cure" the problem. Are There Any Treatments Available For Navicular Syndrome? The navicular syndrome-related lameness does not normally improve with rest, and symptoms can take several days to manifest. To reduce pain in the heel, some affected horses will "point" (hold out in front) the more painful foot. On hard ground, lameness or stiffness is often severe, and it may only be visible in a limited circle in one direction or the other. Affected horses' trots and canters are frequently short and choppy, and their necks and polls are inflexible.Īll you may observe in subtle circumstances is that the horse does not perform to your expectations or appears reluctant to work. The lameness is most obvious during the trot, resulting in a head-bob, as it is with most lameness. Both front feet are normally affected, but one appears to be worse than the other. Navicular syndrome is a type of lameness that begins mildly but increases over weeks or months. What Are The Symptoms of Navicular Syndrome in Horses? One-third of all chronic forelimb lameness in horses is thought to be caused by Navicular Syndrome. Navicular Syndrome (also known as Podotrochleosis) is characterized by degeneration of the navicular bone and its surrounding architecture in the back part of the hoof, resulting in chronic lameness affecting both forefeet.
What is Navicular Syndrome and How Does it Affect Horses?
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