![]() 26 horses (36%): pathologic changes of the DSIL.54 horses (75%): pathologic changes of the CSL.32 horses (44%): pathologic changes of the DDFT.62 horses (86%): abnormalities in the navicular bone. ![]() A study looking at 72 horses that underwent MRI for recent onset of navicular syndrome but without abnormalities detected on radiographs found the following: A Complex SyndromeĪs equine MRIs have become more common, we have been able to learn a lot about the different types of injuries that make up navicular syndrome. It is the only imaging option we have to thoroughly evaluate the bony and soft tissue structures within the hoof. This is why you often hear veterinarians say that the “gold standard” for diagnosing navicular syndrome is an MRI. Unfortunately, the hoof capsule prevents us from being able to ultrasound within the hoof, which means an MRI is the only option. To evaluate soft tissue structures, an ultrasound or MRI is needed. The rest are soft tissue structures that are not able to be evaluated with radiographs. Of all of these structures, the only one we can see on radiographs is the navicular bone. The collateral sesamoidean impar ligament (CSIL), that attaches the navicular bone to the coffin bone, or P3.The collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL), that attaches the navicular bone to the short pastern bone, or P2.The navicular bursa, that acts as a cushion in between the navicular bone and the DDFT.The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) that glides down the back of the leg, over the navicular bone and then attaches to the coffin bone, or P3.The navicular apparatus is made up of five structures: Today we know that navicular syndrome is much more complex. Radiographs taken of the foot showed degenerative changes in the navicular bone, and the horse was diagnosed with navicular disease. The lameness would be localized to the foot. A horse would present with a front limb lameness. Years ago, before advanced imaging such as MRI became more commonplace in the horse community, radiographs were our main imaging tool. It is often referenced as caudal heel pain as well to describe the location of the lameness “caudal” meaning the back of the foot, and “heel pain” because that is the generalized area of the lameness. We now know that this condition has many components and it varies from horse to horse, so navicular syndrome is a more accurate description of what we are treating. Veterinarians have moved away from calling it navicular disease because disease means there is one problem, where syndrome means there are multiple or varying problems. Navicular syndrome, navicular disease, and caudal heel pain are all referencing the same condition. To better understand why it seems like one treatment works great for one horse and marginally for another, it is important to understand a little bit of the history of navicular syndrome, the anatomy that is involved, and available treatment options. I'd love to hear about your experiences with either of these therapies.Navicular syndrome is a common condition, but it is not simple or straightforward. my biologics also work against TNF, and have significantly helped my rheumatoid disease joint pain. I kind of like the idea because I'm familiar with it's action - along with the same inflammatory markers that IRAP works against, it also works against TNF-a. In researching IRAP, also came across mention of Pro Stride, which is cheaper, less visits, and - for some, anyway - had better results. I know what it is, and what it's supposed to do, but given that it would be very difficult to afford it (about $1500 for the blood draw and three injections) I want to be sure there's a good chance this will help her use that leg properly. I know she'll never be sound, but I'd like her to at least use the leg more normally, so I can put her back out with her sister, who plays rough and likes to jump on Thistle. but when standing, she often won't weight the foot at all, instead carrying it either underneath or behind/to the side, for balance. She actually moves pretty well, considering the damage, and will run, buck, and play as a two year old should, but not for long, and she's generally sore the next day if she gets the yeehas. Her main problem is the leg is not comfortable when she's standing. She is on Adequan injections, but they don't seem to be providing enough relief (expected, vet wants them for slowing further damage). I have a little mini mule named Thistle that has significant stifle arthritis due to complications from a broken femur.
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