Horse navicular disease is a particular form of
arthritis that affects the horse's navicular bone, a small bone in the foot just behind
the toe bone (pedal bone).
When a horse has navicular disease the
navicular bone becomes worn, joint fluids around the bone become weaker and
inflammation in the area causes pain and lameness. No one knows exactly what
causes navicular disease but drugs to improve circulation in the area and
improve blood flow certainly improve the condition. Normally pain killing
anti-inflammatory drugs are necessary in navicular disease to allow horses to
move more comfortably. Shoeing can also help to take pressure off the affected
areas of the foot and make life for the horse more bearable. There is not cure
for navicular disease with modern veterinary drugs.
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