Navicular bone oedema and sclerosis: current concepts on best management

Abstract

Pathology associated with the navicular bone remains a common cause of forelimb lameness in horses. Since the introduction of advanced imaging modalities (particularly magnetic resonance imaging) it is now recognised that pathology of the navicular bone rarely occurs in isolation; concurrent abnormalities of the structures of the podotrochlear apparatus are often present. Different pathological processes of the navicular bone can have the same radiological appearance. Identifying the underlying disease process, as well as concurrent injuries, is essential for implementing the most appropriate management strategies in horses with navicular bone pathology. Horses with acute onset lameness or soft tissue injuries will often require a period of rest initially, whereas horses with chronic insidious lameness and no soft tissue pathology may be able to continue in work following treatment. Management should be focused on reduction of pain and inflammation which is often achieved with systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and intra-articular or intra-bursal medication in combination with reducing concussive forces acting on the navicular bone through alterations in shoeing and modification of exercise.