Navicular Disease

• Usually in forlimbs of mature horses (>7 years old)
• Pathogenesis:
  • Degenerative lesion of navicular fibrocartilage (adjacent to bursa under deep digital flexor tendon)
  • Dilation of blood vessels entering the bone
  • Rarefaction of surounding bone
• Due to:
  • Poor conformation
  • Concussion
  • Incorrect hoof trimming
  • Improper or irregular blood supply to the bone