"Navicular syndrome" is now recognised as a term that can describe many different diseases. Only MRI can distinguish between them, leading to more specific treatment.

Most problems referred to as “Navicular Disease” or  "Navicular syndrome" do not affect the navicular bone itself, but instead relate to related soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments

Soft tissue is not visible on X-ray, only MRI can detect soft tissue lesions deep in the foot

MRI is recognised as the best way to diagnose the cause of foot pain. With a better diagnosis your veterinarian can:

• better predict the long-term outcome
• plan effective treatment

MRI is also a powerful diagnostic tool for certain forms of lameness up to and including the knee (carpus) and hock (tarsus).
 

Example of how the use of MRI has led to a diagnosis
A Grand Prix show jumper experienced a sudden onset of left foreleg lameness. Nerve blocks identified the lameness as confined to the foot region but routine examinations and x-rays found nothing significant

MRI identified clear evidence of deep digital flexor tendonitis proximal to the navicular bone. There was also thickening of the bone and inflammation secondary to tears in the tendon. This diagnosis would have been impossible without MRI.

5-6 months complete rest was recommended, followed by walking in hand before a gradual reintroduction to work.