He'll undergo surgery later this week.
"The nature of navicular injuries means we'll obviously take full caution with how we approach Shaun's rehabilitation," Bulldogs medical services manager Andrew McKenzie told westernbulldogs.com.au.
"Shaun is a resilient character and will leave no stone unturned in his recovery from this set-back."
Just before the season, coach Brendan McCartney had predicted a big year for Higgins, who was back to full fitness after battling foot issues in 2012.
In fact, injuries have plagued Higgins, 25, since his 2006 AFL debut. The first-round draft pick has played just 109 senior games for the Dogs.
It's not the only injury blow for the Bulldogs, with Easton Wood and Tory Dixon sidelined after the loss to Richmond.
Scans have confirmed Wood has suffered a torn hamstring.
Dickson will miss eight weeks after rupturing a lateral ligament in his left ankle.
He was due to undergo surgery on Monday night.
Wood limped off with a hamstring injury in the first term of the match and scans have revealed a tear, meaning he is out of action for at least three weeks.
