Subchondral bone cyst

  • X-ray
  • Horse
  • Bones and joints
  • Pastern
  • Finding

Findings are Pro only. Every normal study is free; Pro opens each finding beside its normal.

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What to look for

  • Round lucency in the subchondral bone of the distal proximal phalanx (arrowhead)
  • A sclerotic (bright) rim around it
  • Check the same spot on the other limbs: cyst-like lesions are often bilateral

Against the normal

Read every bone's outline and density, then every joint: the space, the margins and the bone under the cartilage. Compare with the other limb, and always take at least two views at right angles.

Source: Wendling E. M. et al., Front Vet Sci 2026. CC BY 4.0. For learning: not a diagnostic service.

Read the film, then see the anatomy in 3D.

Vetomica puts every bones and joints structure on this x-ray in a complete 3D horse you can peel, cut and X-ray from any angle, with every imaging finding beside its normal and practice at reading films.

The 3D animals are free for 7 days, no card. Imaging findings are Pro; every normal study stays free.

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