

Lesions have been reproduced in clinical trials supporting this theory of bone cyst development. These abnormalities in cartilage can then lead to a bone cyst. Conversely, problems also arise when young horses are confined and limited pressure is applied to the joints causing atrophy of the cartilage. Problems can arise when young horses are overworked and increased amounts of pressure are placed on the joints and developing cartilage. In order for cartilage and bone to grow normally, a certain level of stress must be placed on the joints during development.

Although the full extent of factors involved is still being determined, the major contributing factors identified thus far are nutrition, trauma, and genetics. Predisposing Factorsīone cysts are a complicated disease with many factors interacting to cause lesions. The affected joint may also show evidence of swelling but this is difficult to detect in the stifle joint. The lameness usually decreases or resolves with rest. The typical history of a horse with a bone cyst is intermittent lameness of varying severity which appears when the horse begins training or following increased intensity of training. Other joints typically involved are the fetlock and occasionally the carpus however any joint may potentially develop a bone cyst.

The most common site for bone cysts is in the stifle. These cases have been attributed to trauma to the joint.

Occasionally bone cysts have been seen to develop in mature horses. The association with young growing bones is why this condition is most typically seen in horses aged 6 months to 3 years of age. Failure of this cartilage to mature to bone (endochondral ossification) can lead to the degeneration of the malformed cartilage and the formation of a bone cyst. OCD presents differently from bone cysts and requires different treatment.Ī cartilage template precedes bone formation in young growing bone. Bone cysts should not be confused with osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) as this pertains to articular cartilage flaps and loose fragments within the joint. They can result from direct trauma to the articular surface, or they can be one outcome of a developmental condition called osteochondrosis. Bone cysts are a condition that frustrate horse owners, and although they are a relatively common occurrence, how and why they develop is still not fully understood or agreed upon.īone cysts are cyst-like structures that develop below the articular cartilage surface of joints.
