what is navicular disease?
Navicular Disease is a result from a bursitis or inflammation of the synovial fluid-filled sac located between the articular cartilage of the Navicular bone and the deep flexor tendon. The pain experienced by the horse has been compared to that created by a grain of sand under an eyelid. Navicular syndrome is a common cause of lameness in the horse. This problem may account for 1/3 of all chronic lameness. Diagnosis is based on the characteristic gait and localization of pain to the back of the hoof and presence of radiographic changes in the Navicular bone. In treating Navicular Disease farriers usually have to elevate the heels in a horse. If you suspect your horse is having this problem, contact your vet and farrier to diagnosis the severity of the problems.
