Navicular Disease, an Alternative Approach (Part 1 of 2)

In the not so conventional practice of Applied Equine Podiatry, seldom is the term “navicular disease” used. Taking a more holistic approach, several principles, theorems, and philosophies are embraced. At its foundation is the belief that structure plus function equals performance (S+F=P). It is also acknowledged that a horse has an innate ability to heal itself, provided the environment is conducive to healing. 

What does this mean to the treatment of the condition defined as navicular disease? First, it is understand that in coming to a point where a single disease is defined, as is often the case in conventional veterinary medicine, focus is on eliminating symptoms and not treating the cause. As new research provides evidence that there are multiple causes for the clinical manifestations of the lameness associated with navicular disease, it is only logical that a series of events have led to the condition observed (Physiological Sequencing).

As theorized, changes in normal bio-mechanics of joint movement may lead to inflammation of the soft tissues of the navicular apparatus, but the question is: what is normal bio-mechanics of joint movement of the navicular apparatus?

To answer this question, you must subscribe to a specific model of foot function. 
Here is the foot model defined as the Internal Arch Apparatus.

The Internal Arch Apparatus is responsible for 
both energy utilization and energy dissipation within the foot, and is comprised of the coffin bone, navicular bone, distal articulating surface of the short pastern, all connective tissues (ligaments, tendons, fascia), the digital cushion, and all corium (vascular layer of the foot, containing nerves and blood vessels). In short, the Internal Arch Apparatus constitutes all structures of the foot, without the hoof capsule. Applied Equine Podiatry recognizes that true foot function sees all structures working in concert (dynamic equilibrium) to provide performance.
Because this model includes the navicular apparatus as part of the whole, a manifestation of pain within the navicular apparatus would indicate a loss of structure and/or function of the Internal Arch Apparatus.
Taking things a step further, it is understood that the coria (corium) of the Internal Arch Apparatus produce the hoof capsule. It is often said of the foot that the outside is a mirror image of the inside. If one subscribes to this belief, it is only natural that one would become reactive, being held slave to the foot’s internal conformation. I teach and follow the premise that “everything on the inside is a mirror image of that on the outside.” Is this semantics? Hardly– with an understanding that the internal structure’s health is the result of external stimulus, we become empowered. Read Part 2