Navicular Syndrome Management Reviewed

Because navicular problems might affect soft tissue as well as bone, MRI is a better diagnostic tool than X ray in these cases, said Robert K. Schneider, DVM, MS, professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and part

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Because navicular problems might affect soft tissue as well as bone, MRI is a better diagnostic tool than X ray in these cases, said Robert K. Schneider, DVM, MS, professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and part owner of MREquine, a mobile MRI unit.

Horses with navicular syndrome–a degenerative condition within the navicular apparatus, which includes several structures–tend to experience multiple problems, many of which cannot be seen on X ray, said Schneider at the 2010 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 14-18 in Las Vegas, Nev.

"To know what the horse has, and to know how to treat, you need an MRI," said Schneider, although he noted that the imaging is expensive and might not change treatment.

In a study of horses with recent and chronic disease, MRI showed problems that were not apparent on X rays. Specifically, the researchers saw two patterns of navicular syndrome that would require different treatment: one with abnormalities in the collateral seasmoidean ligament and the deep digital flexor tendon with adhesions in the navicular bursa, and another with inflammation and fluid within the navicular bone and surrounding soft tissue. Of these, only the first group would benefit from injection therapy, Schneider said

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