It is most prolific in warm, dark, damp conditions. Keeping stalls, paddocks, corrals, and feet cleaned helps to relieve the problem. Topical astringents sometimes are helpful to relieve and combat the problem. The navicular bursa are initially affected by this insidious ''disease''. As the syndrome progresses, bones and joints surrounding the navicular bursa may be affected.
Careful diagnosis is necessary to confirm the disease.
Trimming and shoeing to certain prescribed standards may relieve the crippling effects of the disease. The result of some systemic stresses, these most crippling problems can often be avoided by good husbandry practices. Trimming and shoeing may help to alleviate lameness symptoms. These result from invasion of sensitive foot structures by some means. Most commonly found is a puncture wound caused by a nail or other sharp object.