What is navicular?

[antonia :)]

Could someone explain in simple words lol :p:o

[heartofrainbow]

Navicular is a condition that affects the navicular bone, which is located at the bottom and back of the hoof.
It plays a role in supporting the deep digital flexor tendon that is located in the same area.

It is a degeneration of the navicular bone!

It is a common cause of lameness and has many causes!

It can be successfully managed as long as you are willing to put in time, money and effort!

Prognosis dependent on:
Stage of disease progression when diagnosed
How promptly treatment was initiated
Conformation
Farrier – change the shape of the foot
Financial and practical considerations

PM me if you want to know anything else!

[heartofrainbow]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navicular_Disease

Gives a pretty good summary!

[antonia :)]

Thank you!

[Yann]

There seem to be two varieties. Navicular Syndrome is a vague diagnosis for any lameness arising from discomfort in the back of the foot. Navicular disease is where this is accompanied by visible changes to the navicular bone.

There's a line of thinking that the main cause is the horse landing toe first which is biomechnically disastrous and gradually causes damage to the tendon and then eventually the bone too. The situation can often be dramatically improved if you can get the horse landing comfortably heel first and stimulate development in the back of the foot. There's even some evidence that bony changes can be reversed, and a lot of horses have been got back to full soundness this way.