Glossary Index

Navicular syndrome describes a group of problems involving the navicular bone and nearby tissues in the foot. It can cause forelimb lameness and may involve bone, tendon, ligament or joint structures.

Non-weight-bearing means a horse is unable or unwilling to put weight on a limb. This can indicate severe pain and should be treated as urgent veterinary situation.

One rein describes whether a horse feels or looks different when working to the left compared with the right. If an issue is worse on one rein, that pattern can help your vet.

Palpation means your vet carefully feels the limbs, back, neck or pelvis to check for heat, swelling, pain, tension or asymmetry. It is one of the first steps in building the clinical picture.

The pedal bone is the main bone inside the hoof capsule. It is important in conditions such as laminitis and some foot-related lameness problems, and can be assessed with imaging such as X-ray.

PET, or positron emission tomography, is a specialist imaging technique that provides functional information about the area scanned. In selected cases, it may help vets assess whether a finding is active or clinically relevant.

Poor performance means the horse is not performing as expected, such as losing impulsion, confidence, rhythm or willingness. Sometimes this is linked to subtle discomfort or lameness rather than attitude or training alone.

A poultice is a dressing applied to the hoof or limb, often to protect an area or encourage drainage, commonly when a hoof abscess is suspected. Use it as advised by your vet or farrier.

Radiography, or X-ray, is an imaging technique that helps vets assess bones, joints and some changes within the body. It is commonly used when bone or joint problems are suspected.

Rehabilitation, or rehab, is a planned return to movement or work after injury, treatment or rest. A clear rehab plan can support recovery and help reduce the risk of re-injury.

A ridden assessment means watching or feeling how the horse moves while being ridden. Some lameness or discomfort only appears under saddle, so this can help your vet see the problem in context.

Scintigraphy is a specialist imaging technique, sometimes called a bone scan, that helps identify areas of increased bone activity. It can be useful when the painful area is difficult to pinpoint.