Described as a cause of lameness in horses since 1752, navicular disea
se is indicated by chronic forelimb lameness with sensitivity to press
ure applied through hoof testers to the palmar aspect of the hoof. Sou
nd epidemiological studies currently are lacking to accurately determi
ne the incidence of lameness due to problems involving the hoof, navic
ular bone, coffin joint, deep flexor tendon, and associated structure.
Causes, methods of diagnosis, and clinical signs are detailed.