my horse has navicular...

[Jericho]

Sadly it is looking more and more likely that my horse with his low heels etc has navicular. He is undergoing more tests at the vets tomorrow with nerve blocks in coffin joint and navicular bone to definitely pin point but all the signs are there. There was no improvement after 5 weeks with pads on when really the vet had expected some and rather than wait another round of shoeing (with heartbars this time anyway) the vet said to get him straight onto Tildren to see if that makes a difference.

Anyway I have had a search around on here for some stories of hope and there are some especially for those who went barefoot but with the state of my horses feet I am not sure barefoot is an option.

Bit of a pointless post really as just feeling really fed up. I came back into riding about 18 months ago after having my family and thought I had found the perfect horse. I love my horses and I hate to think of him in pain and I love riding but it looks like I will be back to not riding again as cant afford another one in money or time. Hubbie not happy at all the cost and the fact my hobby is now going to be a chore and a expense - just poo picking and worry and expensive feed rather than nice long relaxing hacks out which keep me sane! Have told him that the horse is with us for good and I need to do what is best by my boy but not sure he understands. <<< Big sigh>>>

Big glass of Pinot Grigio if you got this far and survived the self pitying ramble and thanks for listening...

 

[TheFarrier]

Easywalker horse shoes, i have had some great results with these on NAV cases where barefoot is not appropriate and as they mimic the barefoot hoof they help keep the blood flowing in a way steel could not and are not as restrictive as steel. Steel shoes are concussive and the last thing you want when riding a horse with NAV is more concussion.

They will cost about £15 a pair on top of your shoeing bill but you could try barefoot behind and easy's in front also they last the same distance minus five miles of steel so can be refitted.

 

[Keltic]

I had a fantastic horse who had navicular, it really wasnt the end of the world honest!! I just accepted he had lame days some times and he would be rested. But I still showed him, did working hunter, sponsored rides, pc ode and some great hacking. He used to go weeks and weeks completely sound then just have the odd day being pottery. I hope this gives you a bit of hope.......

 

[Silverspring]

I had a lovely loan horse that had had navi for about 5 years before I got him. We kept him in shoes with built up heals (this was in the good old days when bar shoes were new found technology!) and he was 100% sound, jumped and cross country happy as larry.

It's not always then end of the world, just make sure your farrier and vet are chatting and coming to an agreement!

 

[Flame_]

Sorry to hear this. I hope between yourself, your vets and your farrier you can find a way to keep him comfortable and useful. Sometimes horses with navicular can carry on for years, best of luck that yours is one of them.

 

[Cliqmo]

Sorry to read about this, I was at the vets today having nerve blocks and xrays looking to identify foot lameness, it really sucks doesn't it?! Fingers crossed you will find a manageable solution

 

[A1fie]

Hi - I'm so sorry about your news. It might not be the end of the world though. My horse is 9 years old and has navicular. Before his current owner had him he was going to be shot as it was so bad and with a bad shoeing and hunting 4 times a week he was crippled with it. However with time and his shoes taken off and some rest, he is now sound and no longer on bute and I ride him 6 days a week.

I think that a good farrier makes the world of difference. Mine has just put clogs on my boy for the summer as the ground was getting hard but in the winter he will probably go back to barefoot.

Sending you lots of hugs and good wishes that it doesn't turn out to be as bad as you fear. Good luck.

 

[golddustsara]

So sorry to hear this but its not the end of the road even if it seems that way now. I rode a ID with navicular for three years and in light regular work he was always sound. Even managed to do SJ and the odd Hunter Trials with him. The only clue to him having navicular was his specialist shoeing. Last time I heard he was still going strong aged 21.

 

[brightmount]

My horse is another success story for barefoot. Her navicular was so bad she was days away from being PTS. Barefoot was a last resort and came out of the blue when I bumped into an EP who visited our yard for other clients. She turned the corner almost immediately. Her gradual return to work suited the gradual barefoot conditioning programme. She does everything again, even jumping, the only difference is she doesn't need shoes and her movement is so much more fluid than it ever was before. PM me if you want to know more, I seem to repeat myself a lot on here!

 

[maggiesmum]

I took on a mare in Feb who was wearing bar shoes & on a bute per day, we took her shoes off and gave her a month in the field then started to work her, she hacks out, works in the school and i'm looking to get her out on farm rides & competing, to look at her you would never guess that she'd been on bute a few months earlier - she's making fantastic progress.