Is There a Cure For Navicular?

Navicular is the inflammation of the bursa between the bone and the deep flexor tendon in the hoof. It is quite painful for horses and you will see them start shuffling and not wanting to put all their weight into their feet. Many times Navicular occurs in both feet. So your horse may not seem lame because he is sore in both front feet. This disease only occurs in the front feet and usually only affects big quarter horses with small feet.

Now the question is, what can you do for your horse now that it's been diagnosed with equine Navicular syndrome? Many times if you can catch it in the early stages before any calcification has occurred, proper trimming and shoeing can alleviate the pressure of the tendons across the bones.

PRESSURE SORES STAGES

The Navicular bone acts a pulley system for the tendons in the deep heel part of the foot. When the horse walks the tendon moves up and down over the Navicular bone. If the horse is extremely heavy and has a small foot, the concussion of the weight on the foot can cause inflammation in the heels and pressure on the internal bones of the foot.

Navicular does not need to be a death sentence. Many horses have made full recoveries from this type of syndrome. Keith Seeley, Certified Journeyman II Farrier, has worked closely with Dr. Bowker in hoof pathology and understands how to trim the foot to achieve a full recovery from Navicular Syndrome. Long toes and low heels are usually to blame for this problem.

Is There a Cure For Navicular?

PRESSURE SORES STAGES