Navicular Syndrome in Horses

Abstract

Navicular disease often begins as an inflammation of the bursa between the deep digital flexor tendon and the navicular bone of the foot. While the joint surfaces of the phalanges may not be affected, the tendon adjacent to the bursa may be progressively destroyed with eventual rupture. This tendon is very important because it flexes the joints of the foot; that is, it moves the toe down and back.