16.2 tb horse with pre navicular wondering if farrier is doing the right thing

[michellehowse]

My sisters 13/14 yr old tb has been diagonesed with pre-navicular but the x-rays dont appear to show any signs of anything to be worried about. He is being shod every 4 weeks but somebody has told me constant nailing of hoof isnt the solution and only adds to the problem on the other hand somebody else has told me her tb did well without shoes and just to use hard standing but mine doesnt do well and is balancing on every foot hoping lame trying to find a position that doesnt hurt. Any advice would be appriceated many thanks susan ps he is being introduced back into work.

[Rick Burten]

What is "pre-navicular'? Radiographs in the absence of any other symptoms are useless if not worthless.

Every horse's situation is unique and should be handled on an individual basis.
ps he is being introduced back into work.
It would be helpful if you would elaborate on exactly what is going on with this horse.

Thus far, you have referred to two different horses---yours and your sister's. And what you have thus far written is rather confusing. Perhaps if you would separate your questions and information about the two horses we will be able to offer input and advise.

[Thomas_Ride&Drive]

What is "pre-navicular'? Radiographs in the absence of any other symptoms are useless if not worthless.

.

Fancy not knowing what that is. Its the stage before your vet spends countless time and effort on diagnostics which costs the owner a lot of money to be told that the lameness is non-specific and in the navicular area :rolleyes: ;)

[Rick Burten]

So is being pre-navicular like being pre-pregnant? Or, pre-dead?

[caballus]

Michelle ... would you happen to have photos of your 'pre-navicular' horse's hooves that you could post here?

By definition, "Pre-Navicular" would mean that his heels aren't hurting yet but they will be !?!?! Either a horse has Navicular Syndrome or it doesn't. Navicular Syndrome being "Caudal Heel Pain".

--Gwen

[Phil Armitage]

Or could it be the horses conformation and type of work pre disposes the horse to navicular desease? And this is a friendly warning to the rider. :rolleyes:

The farrier work is important, but also realise what you do with this horse on a daily basis, enviroment, conformation, training, the horses ablility physicly and mentaly, nutrition and there job and your rideing ablitity has much more significance to the future of this horse. This can be said about any horse.

I like the rule to train and give a horse jobs they can conformationaly and mentaly handle. Pretty much like us humains, we can't all professionaly dance, play sports etc... It is better to stay within our limitations.