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  Discussion on Cyst's in horses
Author Message
Member:
Lennon

Posted on Saturday, Apr 3, 2004 - 6:36 am:

6 yo QH on stall rest for ligament injury in front LEFT has manifested a jaw-breaker size, very firm and well-defined, round mass on the inside right lower front leg, just above the fetlock and nestled between the two tendons. It is apparent only on one side. The ball is about 1/3 visible and the remainer is assumed to be internal? Horse turns easier to right and is sluggish to the left. Horse is a reiner. Seems slightly shorter strided on right at walk and sometimes "hops" on the right down a paved driveway.

What can you tell me about something like this in a horse? It is not hot and there is no other swelling. Unlike a windpuff, that is squishy, thick, undefined and on both sides, this is a smooth ball and very firm. In humans, a cyst on a tendon can be very painful.

Thank you
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 4, 2004 - 9:31 am:

Hello Nancy,
Cysts of this size are usually fluid filled and therefore soft so I don't think this is likely to one. Unfortunately the description is not specific enough to diagnose what this might be though a old healed injury to the inside branch of the suspensory would fit what you describe. The lump in that case would be calcified scar. What needs to be done to define this is a thorough lameness exam that may include ultrasound and radiography depending on what is found on the exam.
DrO
Member:
Lennon

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 7:32 am:

A friend mentioned a osselet...and I read under your glossary the description of a "green osselet", which is a type of arthritis. I believe that's what it is. Someone that I met who knew the horse about a year ago at Tom McCutcheons said he has a little arthritis in his ankle. I believe the trouble with this right ankle has been masked by the injury to the left hoof/ligament. It's showing now in pivoting movements to the left (the ball is on the inside of the right fetlock), like the foot does not have freedom to turn. He wants to ride straight or lean heavy on the left rein, and swing his rear end out off the circle.

Would the 3 months stall rest for the left leg issues cause the osselet to enlarge? Inactivity is not ususally good for arthritis in people. What is the prognosis for future use? If there is PAIN and limited mobility, doing the hard work of a performance horse leads to resentment, which is always trouble, especially for a non-professional.

Can it be cured?
Will it show on an x-ray of the ankle? If so, does it mean it is a rather old injury?

Thank you so very much for insight,
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 9:55 am:

Your first description does not describe an osslet or arthritis of the fetlock (ankle) as the swelling in these conditions is lower and usually goes around the ankle. If your horse has arthritis of the ankle a careful exam and radiographs will find it and determine the nature of the condition.

Unfortunately I cannot answer your specific questions about your horse without the aforementioned examinations. Any such reply would be just a guess, like I made above. Even if that guess is right the answers to your questions will depend on specific exam findings of exactly where the damage is, how extensive it is, how much healing has occurred, and the quality of that healing.
DrO
Member:
Lennon

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 7, 2004 - 8:53 am:

Hello Dr. Oslesby - glad to cross osselet off the list of trouble-makers. I'm bringing horse to horse hospital tommorrow. They have diagnostic equipment you recommend. Thank you so much for your guidance.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 8, 2004 - 11:18 am:

You are welcome, let us know what they find.
DrO
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