Navicular disease is the name given to the pain in the area of the navicular bone. It may involve inflammation of the navicular bursa, cartilage or tendon destruction, and bone changes. Pain may be mild or severe.

The signs of navicular disease include pointing the toe of the afflicted foot with the heel off the ground. Changes take place in the form of the hoof and it becomes contracted at the heel. Skilled use of hoof testers is the best method of diagnosing navicular disease.

Treatment: The treatment for navicular disease is usually a bar shoe with heel support (length) and a rocker toe. The hoof is trimmed short in the toe. The heel may be raised by applying plastic wedges between the shoe and hoof.

For more information, see Equine Navicular Disease.

Browse related Articles by tag: horses, glossary