Where is the hock on the horse?

WHAT IS THE HOCK? A horse’s hock is the evolutionary equivalent to the human ankle. When looking at a horse from the side, the point of the hock is the backward-pointed part halfway down the rear limb.

What causes hock problems in horses?

While several conditions can affect hock joints, for adult horses (especially performance horses) the problem is often degenerative joint disease (DJD), or arthritis. DJD typically develops in the lower joints of the hock, which come under a lot of stress when your horse works. Conformation can contribute.

Can a horse recover from a hock injury?

Occasionally, a foal is born with signs of curb, resulting from faulty conformation of the hocks. A sprain or tear of a ligament is usually a very significant injury. Still if it is not too severe, a horse can return to top form.

How do you know if your horse needs hock injections?

Your horse may need hock injections if you notice changes in the hock, general signs of pain, or signs of localized pain in the hock. The first thing to do is to determine if your horse has a lameness problem and the next is to localize the issue to the hock.

How do I know if my horse has hock problems?

Stiffness. Or rather stiffness at the start of a ride that eventually goes away. When a horse is suffering from a hock problem, all of the ligaments in the joint tense up and become tighter, trying to protect the joints and bones. This tightness will eventually be worked out as your horse stretches and moves.

Should I buy a horse with fused hocks?

Fusing hocks are not necessarily a bad thing and can almost be looked at as a cure. Once the hocks are completely fused the joint is no longer painful and will no longer require joint injections to manage the pain. In addition, the two lower joints account for very little of the hock’s movement.

How long do hock injections last in horses?

Hock injections can be effective anywhere from 6-12 months. If your hock injections are only lasting 8-10 weeks, your horse may be a candidate for laser arthrodesis (surgical fusion).

How do you prevent hock sores in horses?

Sometimes wrapping your horse’s lower legs with pillow wraps and standing bandages is enough to change the position of his hocks when he lies down, lessening the pressure and allowing the hock sores to heal. You can also wrap a horse’s hocks to provide padding and protection.

How do you treat a swollen hock on a horse?

Your vet will probably clip and disinfect the skin over the swelling, tap it (insert a needle into your horse’s bursa and withdraw fluid), and then inject a small amount of anti-inflammatory medication. He or she may also inject an astringent-type medication to help dry up the tissues.

How long does it take for a horse’s hocks to fuse?

Fusion typically occurs between 8-10 months following MIA introduction into the affected joint(s). Once fused, the distal tarsal joints are no longer a source of pain or lameness.

How much does it cost to inject a horse’s hocks?

How much do horse hock injections cost? I would guess, based on my personal history of injecting joints, the average cost would be around $250-300 per joint. So, if you have a horse with bilateral hock osteoarthritis, then the cost could be upwards of $500.

What causes swollen hocks in horses?

A diffusely swollen “big” hock is usually caused by traumatic injury or infection. The joint can also mysteriously fill with blood (Blood Spavin). A hard knot of swelling on the lower inside of the hock (Bone spavin) usually relates to arthritis of the lowest joint of the hock.

Why does a horse need hock injections?

Horses will also start to form bone spurs along the edges of the bones. This is the beginning of the fusion process in the lower and middle hock joints. To help relieve pain during the degeneration process, injection of the lower and middle joint spaces is often done.

What do they inject horses joints with?

Hyaluronic acid, a substance to help lubricate the joint, can be given simultaneously with steroids. When your veterinarian makes a call to inject your horses’ joints, they will go through several steps before they are ready for the procedure. First, adequate restraint is key to a successful and safe joint injection.

How can I strengthen my horse’s hocks?

Beyond the basics of good nutrition, feeding a supplement containing biotin can also help support your horse’s hoof health. A B vitamin, biotin supports the production of keratin, a protein that provides the structural basis for hair and hoof horn.