Navicular Disease

Navicular Disease, in the horse, consists of an inflammation, often of a rheumatic character, of the small bone—the navicular—below which passes the strong flexor tendon of the foot. It is most common amongst the lighter sorts of horses, and especially where they have upright pasterns, out-turned toes, and early severe work on hard roads. It soon gives rise to a short tripping yet cautious gait, undue wear of the toe of the shoe, and projecting or 'pointing' of the affected limb whilst standing. Even when early noticed and in horses with well-formed legs, it is incurable; and when of several weeks' standing it leads to so much inflammation and destruction of the tendon and adjoining parts that soundness and fitness for fast work again are impossible. In order to reduce the pain and inflammation, rest should at once be given, the shoe removed, the toe shortened, and the foot placed in a large, soft, hot poultice, changed every few hours. Laxative medicine and bran mashes should be ordered, and a soft bed made with old short litter. After a few days, and when the heat and tenderness abate, cold applications should supersede the hot; and after another week a blister may be applied round the coronet, and the animal placed for two months in a good yard or in a grass field, if the ground be soft and moist; or, if sufficiently strong, at slow farm-work on soft land. Division of the nerve going to the foot removes sensation and consequently lameness, and hence is useful in relieving animals intended for slow work. The operation, however, is not to be recommended where fast work is required, for the animal, insensible to pain, uses the limb as if nothing were amiss, and the disease rapidly becomes worse. Navicular disease is very often due to hereditary taint; hence horses suffering from it should never be used for breeding purposes.