What Happens When A Horses Hocks Fuse?

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. In most instances, a fused lower hock does not affect the movement or gait of the horse.

What causes hocks to fuse?

Have you heard of fused hocks in horses? These can either develop at a young age (juvenile osteochondral disease, as shown in the second x-ray image below), through degenerative joint disease, or sometimes through other trauma.

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. If you have any questions regarding Hock Fusion in the horse please call our office at (678) 867-2577.

How do I know if my horse has hock problems?

Common signs of hock problems can include:

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

How do you treat hock arthritis in horses?

For OA in the horse’s hock joint, the usual course of action from your vet is the injection of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, directly into the hock joint (intra-articular injections). Your horse will need to have a couple of days rest afterwards and then slowly ease back into work.

Can you still ride a horse with a fused hock?

In addition, the two lower joints account for very little of the hock’s movement. In most instances, a fused lower hock does not affect the movement or gait of the horse.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 is hock arthritis diagnosed?

Signs of Arthritis in Horse Hocks

• Stiffness. More specifically, this refers to stiffness at the start of a ride that eventually goes away.
• Shifting Their Weight.
• Changes in Gait.
• Less Spring in Their Jump.
• Changes in the Appearance of Their Hock Joint.
• Your farrier’s feedback.
• Specialised shoeing.
• Steroid injections.

How often do horses need hock injections?

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 long do horses need off after hock injections?

Horses that have joints medicated with corticosteroids will often have 3 days complete rest followed by 3 days light work before returning to their normal training regime.

What is the best thing to give a horse with arthritis?

Daily exercise will help keep your horse active and comfortable. Being stall bound often increases stiffness. Daily anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as Equioxx can be used long-term, whereas phenylbutazone can be used in acute situations or before more uncomfortable situations.

What age do horses joints fuse?

Fusion of growth plates in the limb bones gives an approximate estimation of the age of the young horse. Lighter breeds tend to fuse earlier than the heavier breeds. The proximal humeral growth plate closes at about 24–42 months of age and the distal at 12–24 months.

How do you strengthen a 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 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.

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.

When should an arthritic horse retire?

Most owners consider retirement when the horse has become incapable of their previous activity. Either through old age and/or diminishing capabilities and particularly where there is on-going lameness that is unresolvable.

How do I know if my horse needs his hocks injected?

To tell if your horse needs hock injections, look for changes in behavior that might indicate that your horse has pain in its hock, or hindquarters. This might include refusing to jump fences, excessive bucking, trying to bite you, or general bad temper.