If the horse has to work on a rough or hard surface, the constant pounding of the hoof increases the pain. Other factors such as conformation, foot size, improper trimming of the hoof and obesity can all lend to navicular disease. Typically most victims are between two and 10 years old. Sometimes the problem is the horse is too big for the size of its foot. Horses used to race, rope, compete in dressage, or barrel race are normally those which show the signs of intermittent front leg lameness associated with navicular disease.
Navicular disease is one of the most common cause of front limb lameness.
A lame horse that exhibits soundness after a heel nerve block may have navicular disease. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed navicular disease, there are a few treatment options. This type of shoe gives extra support to the heel. These shoes are usually made out of aluminum because it is a lighter material than regular steel bar stock. The owner should allow four to six weeks to determine if the change of shoes will be a viable treatment.