Navicular syndrome, often called navicular disease, is a syndrome of lameness problems in horses. It most commonly describes an inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues, usually on the front feet. It can lead to significant and even disabling lameness.
Cross section of horse foot. The relevant areas are: 2. Second phalanx. 4. Coffin bone. 6. Navicular bone. 9. Deep digital flexor tendon. 16. Plantar cushion. 17. Hoof.
Lameness is an abnormal gait or stance of an animal that is the result of dysfunction of the locomotor system. In the horse, it is most commonly caused by pain, but can be due to neurologic or mechanical dysfunction. Lameness is a common veterinary problem in racehorses, sport horses, and pleasure horses. It is one of the most costly health problems for the equine industry, both monetarily for the cost of diagnosis and treatment, and for the cost of time off resulting in loss-of-use.
Trauma is a common cause of lameness in horses.
Splints can be palpated on physical examination.
Chronic lameness often causes an upright hoof capsule.
An abscess has ruptured out of the coronary band of this horse.