THE TREATMENT OF 5 HORSES WITH SUBCHONDRA L BONE-CYSTS OF THE FIRST PHALANX

Five cases of subchondral bone cysts of the proximal phalanx in horses undergoing surgery using a transcortical approach are described. All horses showed a chronic, moderate to severe, intermittent lameness. Th e age of the horses varied from 7 months to 10 years. During surgery t he cyst was localized using an image intensifyer. A transcortical appr oach was made using a 5.5 mm drill bit. The cysts were curetted and th e defects filled with beta-tricalcium phosphate granules postoperative ly. Repeated follow up evaluation were carried out on all horses withi n a few weeks and up to 3 years. Three horses recovered completely, 1 horse showed still a mild, intermittent lameness responsive to NSAID t herapy, and 1 horse is still reconvalescent.