## Overview Cyst-like lesions of the navicular bone are radiolucent or magnetic-resonance-imaging-visible cavities within the bone, often associated with podotrochlear (navicular) syndrome. They may communicate with synovial invaginations or arise from erosions. Their presence correlates with lameness in many horses and can influence treatment decisions. ## Causes Part of the degenerative process of navicular disease; exact pathogenesis of cyst formation is still studied. Chronic overload and vascular or synovial factors are implicated. ## Diagnosis Radiographs may show the lesions; magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive and characterizes concurrent soft-tissue injury. Diagnostic analgesia confirms the foot as the source of pain. ## Treatment Standard navicular management (shoeing, anti-inflammatories, injections) plus, in selected cases, core osteostixis or other surgical debridement. Response varies. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Many horses improve with multimodal treatment; advanced lesions limit long-term athletic use. ## Prevention Early management of foot balance and workload in at-risk horses.
chronic forelimb lameness; positive hoof testers over the frog or heels; response to palmar digital or coffin joint analgesia; cyst-like lesions on imaging
## Overview Cyst-like lesions of the navicular bone are radiolucent or magnetic-resonance-imaging-visible cavities within the bone, often associated with podotrochlear (navicular) syndrome. They may communicate with synovial invaginations or arise from erosions. Their presence correlates with lameness in many horses and can influence treatment decisions. ## Causes Part of the degenerative process of navicular disease; exact pathogenesis of cyst formation is still studied. Chronic overload and vascular or synovial factors are implicated. ## Diagnosis Radiographs may show the lesions; magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive and characterizes concurrent soft-tissue injury. Diagnostic analgesia confirms the foot as the source of pain. ## Treatment Standard navicular management (shoeing, anti-inflammatories, injections) plus, in selected cases, core osteostixis or other surgical debridement. Response varies. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Many horses improve with multimodal treatment; advanced lesions limit long-term athletic use. ## Prevention Early management of foot balance and workload in at-risk horses.
chronic forelimb lameness; positive hoof testers over the frog or heels; response to palmar digital or coffin joint analgesia; cyst-like lesions on imaging