Treating navicular syndrome in equine patients

Area of Science:

• Equine Podiatry
• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Equine Lameness

Background:

• Navicular syndrome is a chronic, progressive condition affecting the navicular apparatus in horses.
• It involves the navicular bone, bursa, deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), and associated soft tissues.
• The etiology is multifactorial, with varied proposed causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current treatment options for navicular syndrome in horses.
• To highlight the importance of individualized treatment plans based on disease severity and horse's intended use.
• To discuss both conservative and surgical management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of non-surgical treatments including rest, hoof balance, corrective trimming/shoeing, systemic anti-inflammatories, hemorheologic medications, and intra-articular medications.
• Discussion of surgical interventions such as collateral ligament desmotomy and palmar digital neurectomy.
• Inclusion of adjunct therapies like acupuncture and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

Main Results:

• Treatment approaches are diverse, reflecting the varied causes and pathology of navicular syndrome.
• Successful management requires careful consideration of clinical signs, workload, and owner compliance.
• No definitive cure exists; treatment aims to manage clinical signs and slow degenerative changes.

Conclusions:

• Treatment for navicular syndrome must be tailored to the individual horse.
• A multimodal approach combining rest, hoof care, medical, and potentially surgical or adjunct therapies is often necessary.
• Focus on alleviating pain and managing degenerative changes is key to long-term care.