What Are the Treatments for Navicular Bone Disease in Horses?

Navicular bone disease in equines is a non-fatal disease rooted deep within the coffin and lower pastern bone of the horse. The navicular bone is within the coffin bone, and as the muscles attached to the lower pastern flex, it causes pressure on the navicular bone. While not life-threatening, this disease is extremely painful for horses. By careful treatment and monitoring, a cure is available for equines.

  1. Symptoms of Navicular Bone Disease

    • A horse with navicular bone disease will limp and show signs of lameness in one or more feet. This disease occurs in all breeds of horses, but quarter horses and thoroughbreds are the two breeds typically affected. When moving, a horse will tend to bring his foot farther forward in attempt to land on the heel than with the toe. The affected hoof tends to be smaller than other hooves, as the horse leans more weight on the non-affected feet. A week frog (an underpart of the hoof), vertical cracks, abscesses or infection can also point to navicular disease.

    Identifying Navicular Bone Disease

    • A veterinarian will administer a flexion test to the affected horse to check for bone disease. Flexing the fetlock and pastern for 90 seconds and then trotting the horse off will determine signs of lameness within the first strides. Taking an x-ray of the navicular bone will show what is called "lollipop lesions" if the bone is affected.

    Correct and Corrective Shoeing

    • The best treatment is preventative treatment. Shoeing a horse correctly can stave off navicular disease. Overly long toes and short heels puts added stress on the navicular bone. Keeping the hoof trimmed and shoeing approximately every six weeks will prevent this disease.

      Corrective shoes are available to help treat horses who have this condition. A corrective shoe will encourage the hoof back into its proper shape without force. Trimming the toe shorter and inserting a pad between the hoof and the shoe can allow the hoof to heal.

    Drug Therapy

    • To encourage better circulation to and from the hoof, the drug Isoxsurprine has been used with success. This drug opens the blood vessels and allows the hoof to repair itself at a faster rate. Intramuscular injections of Palosein and Adaquan are used to effectively treat joint disease as well.