Question: I am considering a 12-year-old gelding for purchase that has been diagnosed with navicular disease. My dressage instructor told me that the horse is sound with proper shoeing and I have in fact watched the horse at several shows and he does not appear to have any impediments. Is it lunacy to consider a horse with such a condition or is it possible for a horse with navicular to proceed with his career unhindered?

I applaud you for trying to find out more information about this subject before automatically excluding a horse for consideration because of the dreaded “navicular” word! That being said, navicular syndrome is nothing to take lightly.

I would recommend starting with a very thorough history of this horse. What is his present use and is it similar to what you would be asking of him? How long has the current owner had him? Has he “bounced around” from owner to owner? Why are they selling? What is his current level of competition? If he competes, how well does he do? Is he insured and for what specifically? Or has insurance ever been denied? Why? How EXACTLY was he diagnosed with “navicular?” Were radiographs taken? If so, are they willing to release all lameness evaluations and radiographs on record? Can your veterinarian speak with any and all vets on record. When was he diagnosed? What medications (Adequan, Legend, joint injections, oral supplements, Bute, Banamine, Surpass, etc.) has he been given? When and how often? What does he need for shoeing and showing?

An authoritative response to the question would depend a lot on the answers to these questions as well as to the results of a pre-purchase examination and radiographic series. But, some additional insight for what it is worth:

First, if the current owner/trainer cannot answer these basic questions to your and your veterinarian’s satisfaction, they drag their feet, “lost” records or x-rays, or give vague answers then I typically become wary. Unfortunately, I have to be slightly cynical in this area of the job.

Second, if this horse has been evaluated by your vet as part of a pre-purchase exam and by your trainer for suitability, and is found in every other way to be an excellent candidate for your situation, AND he has a proven, successful performance record with minimal to no medications, proceeding with the purchase MAY be worth the gamble.

However, you should realize that this horse might only take you so far; you may advance further and faster than he is able. Again, this is where history, current performance, and intended use coupled with exam findings are so important.

All else aside, navicular syndrome is a progressive degenerative disease that will get worse over time. If you are a one-horse woman, who will not part with this horse once bought (or cannot because of his issues!), and you cannot afford two horses if he becomes consistently lame, it may be too much of a gamble. Tough situation.

Dr. Aimee Eggleston

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