Equine
Subchondral Bone Cyst
By Dr. Lauren Lamb
Last month we talked about osteochondritis dissecans (OCDs). This month we are going to talk about subchondral cyst, which is another type of bone disease commonly seen in horses. Unlike like OCDs, which are strictly a bone development disease, subchondral cyst can be developmental or acquired. Acquired means that the horse is not born with the cyst in their bone, but instead it develops secondary to an injury to the cartilage. Subchondral cysts are characterized as an area in the bone, usually adjacent to the joint surface, which is less dense and lined with an inflammatory lining. On radiographs the cyst will appear as a dark hole in the bone.
The cause of subchondral cyst is not completely understood. Two predominant theories have been supported by research. The first theory is called the hydraulic theory. With the hydraulic theory, the articular cartilage has full thickness damage, like a small split or tear.
Synovial fluid is forced into the cartilage defect while the horse is weight bearing. The fluid will place pressure on the subchondral bone, which will result in damage and necrosis of the bone. The subchondral bone is the bone directly beneath the cartilage.
Ultimately, this damage to the subchondral bone will lead to a subchondral bone cyst.
The second theory is the inflammatory theory, which causes a cyst to form and enlarge secondary to cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammation within the subchondral bone. Subchondral bone cysts are seen predominately, about 50 percent of the time, in the stifle.
The second most common location is the long or short pastern bone, around 25 percent. About 62 percent of subchondral bone cyst occur in males, both stallions and geldings. Thoroughbreds and quarter horses are the breeds most commonly affected.
The most common clinical sign is lameness in the affected leg. Joint effusion (excess fluid within the joint) may or may not be present. Joint effusion is more frequent when the subchondral bone cyst communicates with the joint. Only 30 percent of subchondral bone cysts communicate with the joint. The pain causing the lameness is secondary to increased pressure within the cyst or increased inflammation in the bone around the cyst. The tissue within the cyst is termed myxomatous tissue. This tissue secretes inflammatory mediators that will dissolve the bone around the cyst.
To read more pick up a copy of the October 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
This bone cyst in the stifle has a screw placed across it. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Lauren Lamb)
By Krista Lucas Wynn
Each year, when the professional rodeo season wraps on Sept. 30, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announce the Nutrena Horse of the Year, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, in each event. This is a prestigious award, voted on by the members of the associations. To be named Horse of the Year by fellow competitors is a high honor only a few achieve.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Krista Lucas Wynn | Copy Editor
The name, “Daddy of ’em All,” instantly brings to mind the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. Cowboys and cowgirls from all across the country dream of competing on the iconic Cheyenne arena dirt.
Every July, pro rodeo contestants travel to Cheyenne, Wyom. to vie for the title of champion of the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The rodeo is steeped in western tradition and celebrated the 125th year this summer. With nearly two weeks of rodeo action, fans watched bareback riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and steer roping.
Steer roper, Tuff Hardman, knew winning “the Dad” was a tall order, but with a good horse and a few prayers he left no doubt who the best steer roper at Cheyenne was when it was all said and done. After two rounds, Hardman qualified back for the finals tied for ninth place with a time of 30.8 seconds.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Utilizing the horse to human connection.
By: Hannah Claxton | Editor
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
“My boys have been riding since they were 18 months old, and for the first 17 years they had a leader and sidewalker. When we moved here, and Mandy started teaching them, she just said, ‘Let’s see what they can do,’ and they ride independently now,” Danielle Frank explained, whose two sons, Adison and Aiden, ride with Stable Strides Farm. “Mandy is amazing beucase she doesn’t place any limits on them, she always wants to see what they can do.”
It is her dedication to never setting limits that earned Cleveland a spot as a national finalist for the NSBA 2024 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls Reaching-Out-to-Community Award. The award was established by the NSBA Foundation to recognize cowgirls across the industry for their selfless contributions to the equestrian community.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of the NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
(Photos Courtesy of Hannah Claxton)
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