Navicular Disease Treatment Benefits From Smaller Endoscope

Navicular disease, also known as palmar foot pain, is a frequent cause of lameness in older horses. A challenge for veterinarians is examining the structures within the hoof to determine the location and cause of pain.

Veterinarians at the University of Milan in Italy have used tiny endoscopes (2.7 mm in diameter rather than the standard 4 mm) to examine the navicular bursa, a fluid-filled structure that is a common site of pain and inflammation. After the cause of pain is confirmed, tissues within the hoof can be cleaned and separated, often relieving discomfort without cutting tendons and ligaments, a practice often necessary to view structures with the larger scopes.