Does A Capped Hock Affect A Horse?

A capped hock is an inflamed and swollen calcaneal bursa (sac) of the ankle that can grow up to the size of a tennis ball or even larger in some cases. Even though it may look horrible, it usually does not affect the horse much and may only cause slight lameness, if at all.

Can you ride a horse with capped hocks?

An uncomplicated capped hock is considered to be only a cosmetic problem for the horse, and will not affect athletic performance. However, if there are underlying complications, such as infection or damage to nearby bony or soft tissue structures, there may be a detrimental effect on performance.

Is a capped hock serious?

A deep capped hock can cause lameness due to local pressure and inflammation, but usually improves with rest. Capped hocks almost always merely represent a cosmetic blemish, but if a wound is involved, the bursa can become infected which represents a much more serious condition.

What causes a capped hock on a horse?

Capped hock is due to distention of the subcutaneous bursa or development of an acquired bursa over the tuber calcanei. This usually results from repetitive trauma (eg, kicking or leaning on stable walls) and is not usually associated with lameness.

Is a capped hock a blemish?

Capped hock
A thickening of the skin or large callus at the point of the hock is a common blemish.

Will a capped hock go away?

In most cases, a capped hock is merely a cosmetic blemish. Swelling is usually fluctuant (soft) initially, but can eventually become quite firm with time/ chronicity. In many cases swelling becomes permanent unless it has been successfully treated during the acute stage.

How do I know if my horse has hock problems?

Common signs of hock problems can include:

• Shortened hind end gait.
• Reluctance to engage from the hind end.
• Reduced spring over jumps.
• Shifting weight when standing still.
• Resistance to going downhill.
• Stiffness that resolves during warm-up.
• Heat and swelling in the hock area.

Can a horse recover from a hock injury?

Typically, this takes between six and nine months, although a mild mechanical lameness should be expected long term. In those horses unable to return to work, most will become pasture sound.

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 can I improve my horse’s hocks?

Riding over raised poles (cavaletti) is helpful for developing strength in the horse that has weak stifles or hocks. The slow action of lifting the hind legs up and over the pole will strengthen the Tensor muscle as well as the Long Digital Extensor. Both muscle groups are responsible for the stability of the stifle.

Can you jump a horse with hock arthritis?

Many horses who are diagnosed with the early stages of arthritis can continue to safely carry riders on level trails and perform other low-impact activities, including some jumping.

How do you help your horses hocks?

Joint injection is probably the most widely used and effective treatment for a horse with clearly identified problems in his lower hock joints. The injection puts anti-inflammatory agents directly into the space between the bones of the sore joints.

What are the signs indicating that the horse foot was neglected?

The sole should be arched and should not appear flat as in “dropped sole.” Check for “hard heels” or sidebones, ringbone, corns, contracted feet and thrush. If the horse is shod, check for wear on the shoe from contraction and expansion of healthy heels.

How do you get rid of hock sores?

Treating Hock Issues

1. Check Stall Bedding. Because stall bedding is often the culprit behind hock sores, taking a look at your current stall setup is a good place to start.
2. Try a Salve. If the wound is large or open, you can apply some cream or salve to help it heal.
3. Apply a Wrap and Hock Shield.

What is capping a horse?

Riding as a guest is also known as “capping”. Riding as a guest or “capping” gives you an opportunity to try the OVH’s cross-country rides or hunting to decide if this is something you and your horse would like to do!

How long does it take for horses 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. If you have any questions regarding Hock Fusion in the horse please call our office at (678) 867-2577.

What happens when a horses hocks fuse?

Once the hocks are fused, any discomfort or lameness tends to be eliminated, and the horse should usually be able to carry on in normal work.

Can you wrap a horses hock?

Place thick padding over sterile wound dressing Start support layer below point of hock and spiral upward. Use a figure 8 pattern to bandage around point of hock Secure bandage with flexible adhesive tape.

How much does a hock injection cost?

Hock injections can range anywhere from $65 to $250 per joint. Depending on your geographic location, prices may be higher or lower.

How do you reduce swelling in a horse hock?

Cold-hosing and anti-inflammatory treatments, such as phenylbutazone (commonly termed bute) or meloxicam, will help in the early stages, in consultation with your vet. Bandaging can bring swelling down, but the hock is a difficult area to bandage properly and skin sores are a risk.

What does a swollen hock look like?

A clearly defined bubble that is visible on the front, side, and inside of the hock (bog spavin) indicates excessive fluid in the top, high motion joint of the hock. It can be caused by injury to that joint including fractures, osteochondrosis, or joint infection.