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| Moderated by: Ladyfarrier1 |
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| Navicular | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Mon Nov 8th, 2010 04:52 pm |
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1st Post |
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waymoreblues G.O.G Community Member
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I took my horse to the vet for stumbling and the vet thinks he maybe navicular. I am taking for a second opinion, but I wanted to know if anyone else has had experience owning a navicular horse. I am under the impression that is pretty uncommon in gaited horses. My guy is a 6 year old TWH. He has always been shod by a certified journeyman farrier. I've been doing research on the treatment and I am debating whether i should try going barefoot. I've read a couple stories of success. I would appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts or comments on the situation.
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| Posted: Mon Nov 8th, 2010 05:37 pm |
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2nd Post |
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liteshodwalkers G.O.G Community Member 
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The gentleman I use to board with has a TWH mare with navicular. She was only 3-4 years old when it was diagnosed. Understand tho, when he bought her as a yearling, he only paid $60.00 for her at auction. I jokingly said that it would cost more to euthanize her than what he paid. Believe me when I say this was the poorerst looking horse I have ever seen. Fortunately for her, this gentleman saw a lot of potential in her. She was the winningest (sp) liteshod horse around until she came up lame. Her prior owner had never, ever, taken proper care of her nor ensured proper nutrition. Our Vet at the time strongly felt that this may have been the cause. Katie (the mare) never exhibited tripping. She was lame. The Vet took numerous x-rays and did several procedures before determining without any doubt that it was navicular. She was also taken to New Bolton for evaluation. Has your Vet taken x-rays? What about other tests to help with this diagnosis? I agree 100% in getting a second opinion. To answer your other question, this particular mare is the only TWH that I know of with navicular in my "circle". Please let us know how you make out with the second Vet. I will keep you in my prayers for good results. bonnie
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| Posted: Mon Nov 8th, 2010 08:19 pm |
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3rd Post |
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waymoreblues G.O.G Community Member
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The vet did take xrays and used hoof testers to check for heel pain. The xrays didn't show degeneration, but he said the edges of the navicular bone "looked sharp". He did flinch a little when the vet applied pressure across the heel. He doesn't really land toe first as much as he seems to be dragging his feet. I noticed that he seems to walk normal going down hill. Friday we are going for a second opinion, so until then I will keep my hopes up. Thanks for your input.
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| Posted: Mon Nov 8th, 2010 09:15 pm |
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4th Post |
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slipslider G.O.G Community Member 
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I had a Quarter horse that was diagnosed with navicular several years ago. Of course Quarterhorses are known to have this. Did not do xrays, but did do nerve deadening and pressure test. I had no doubt that is what she had. She did not stumble either, just noticed lameness, especially when lunging in a short circle. Thought it was just in one foot, but it was in both front feet. Just could not tell because the pain was worse on one, so the lameness was not showing up on the other until we tested. Put bar shoes on her for one year and then I let her go back barefoot and she has never been lame again. She is now in her twenties and is still sound. Go figure.
____________________ LaVonne Summertime Stables, LLC |
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| Posted: Mon Nov 8th, 2010 10:41 pm |
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5th Post |
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crs trail rider Ranch Hand 
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Navicular is a syndrome- meaning it can have various possible reasons and present in many different ways. i have been dealing with it for many years (13) I have done just about everything but nerving (she wasnt a candidate) she did better barefoot with a barefoot trim. I strongly feel after much research the SHOES contributed to the navicular causing her heel to contract due to improper hoof function while wearing a shoe. Sometimes there are navicular changes w/out any lameness sometimes very little navicular change with tons of lameness. There are unfortunately no set answers or treatment. Knowing what I know now- I would pull shoes and find a qualified barefoot trimmer right away.
____________________ Its rarely the horses fault- Its usually a failure of the rider to communicate their requests in a manner that the horse can understand. Lisa |
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| Posted: Sat Nov 13th, 2010 12:14 am |
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6th Post |
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waymoreblues G.O.G Community Member
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GOOD NEWS! Well better news anyway. It turns out my horse is not navicular. I took him to an equine specialist and turns out that he has arthritis in his hocks. The arthritis is making him heavy on the forehand which in turn was leading to his stumbling. The vet said that once the bones have fused together he should be fine. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| Posted: Sat Nov 13th, 2010 12:17 am |
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7th Post |
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waymoreblues G.O.G Community Member
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I forgot to add. That the vet did say that the farrier was leaving his toes to long and his heels too low. I am definetly going to remove his shoes and go with a bare foot trimmer. It seems ridiculous to pay a $100/shoeing and not have it done right.
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| Posted: Sat Nov 13th, 2010 12:52 am |
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8th Post |
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stormzgaitzrgr8 G.O.G Community Member 
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That is good news, I know you're relieved..
____________________ Tracey (Stormzgaitzrgr8) |
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| Gaits of Gold Gaited Horse Community Messageboard > Brenda Imus Questions and Answers > Hoof Talk > Navicular | Top |
