Anyone out there know anything about Navicular/treatment? My 11 yr. old Paint Mare has been confirmed via x-ray - we have been treating her with shots better shoeing (any good ferriers in NC Triangle area?) It has been suggested to cut her nerve - you can imagine my reaction - but I am wondering if I am being open minded enough to consider all options for her - any feedback is appreciated.

The only horses with Navicular disease that I've heard of in this area were Quarter horses, so I believe your Paint would fall into that category. It is more common amoungst them.

The denerving that you are speaking of should only be done as a last resort, after all other options have been tried. Shoeing should be the first thing done. The farrier will design shoes that will support the heels and restore the natural angle to the hoof.

Cut back on her work load. Slow, long distance rides or swimming, instead of heavy work or uphills. I'm not sure if you ride your Paint english or western, but no more jumping.

Your vet can presribe anti-inflammatory drugs to help ease the horses pain and other drugs to try to restore blood flow into the hoof.

Of course, if your horse is a mare, you would not want to use her for breeding, as this trait can be passed on to her offspring.

Do you have an equine vet in your area? I would seek cousel from them. Good luck, it is a lifetime committment caring for a horse with Navicular disease.

Basset_Lover

De nerving is not a good idea except as a last resort then you lose your ability to discover any future pain issues.
Also, if she's a bit tubby, take some weight off of her.