Signs & Symptoms of Navicular Disease

Navicular disease affects the front feet of horses. It is caused by the navicular bone deteriorating, brought on by arthritis, creating soreness and swelling in the surrounding tissues. This bone is located at the back of the foot close to the heel. Horses with severe damage may not be worked or ridden for extended periods of time, if at all, but may be used as pastured companion horses.

  1. Features of Navicular Disease

    • Signs of navicular disease may include intermittent lameness, a shortened stride, and a reluctance to turn or to walk downhill. Sometimes lameness will switch feet, or one foot will appear more tender than the other. A horse may refuse to work or lay down more often than usual if it is experiencing pain, not unlike humans or any other animal suffering from arthritis symptoms. Horses may suffer more intensely than other animals as they are carrying more body weight on this tiny bone.

    identification

    • Navicular disease can be difficult to diagnose because other foot problems may mimic the same symptoms. According to horses-and-horse-information.com, bruised heels may cause a horse to point, or stand with its feet farther in front of the body than is normal, which is also a symptom of navicular disease. Chronic heel collapse and an inflamed coffin joint mimic this disease also, as ligaments around the navicular bone are affected.

    Risk Factors

    • Horses used for performance sports seem to be more prone to developing navicular disease. This could include horses used for racing such as thoroughbreds or standard breds, or horses used in timed events such as barrel racing, steer roping or reining. Working on hard surfaces may also be a factor. Standard breds are also used to pull carts on paved roads for the Amish, but are usually fitted with special rubber shoes to absorb the shock. Hoof shape was once thought to be a factor, but this has not been proven true. Age can be a factor with horses over five years being more susceptible to the disease. According to equinehorsevet.com, an interruption in the blood flow to this area can also create problems of this type.

    Tests

    • Several tests in combination may be needed for a true diagnosis. X-rays, MRIs, bone scans, testing the sensitivity to work after a nerve block has been used, and bone scans may help the veterinarian make a conclusive determination.

    Treatment

    • Anti-inflammatory drugs, better fitting shoes and pain relievers may help ease the discomfort temporarily, but true navicular disease is not curable. The surgical option is to remove the nerves. This is called a neurectomy. It is not a permanent solution, and there can be side effects that may cause additional complications.