Navicular bone fracture in Horses

Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment.

Navicular bone fractures can be classified into one of four types.These are simple sagittal fractures, comminuted fractures, avulsion fracture of the navicular collateral sesamoidean ligament, and avulsion fractures of the impar ligament. The aetiology is always traumatic but can be predisposed by either infection or chronic demineralization from navicular disease.

Symptoms

Common in

Treatment

Navicular bone fractures may be treated conservatively or by surgery. Surgery is expensive and difficult. Therefore, most veterinarians use a conservative management approach. Conservative therapy usually entails variable periods of rest with corrective trimming and shoeing to immobilize the hoof. Palmar digital neurectomy is an option after the fracture heals to increase the horse’s soundness. However, the results of this type of therapy have been poor.

Prevention

Select supportive footwear before you start an exercise or training routine and replace your shoes after 300-500 miles of use. Supportive shoes typically have a stiff sole with lots of cushioning in the shoe, especially at the arch. Start your new training routine slowly, especially after a period of relative inactivity. Do not increase your walking or running distance increments by more than 10% per week. Incorporate stretching, particularly of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, prior to exercise.