July 2004

Unravel The Mystery Of Hock Pain

Hock problems occur frequently, ranging from strain to degenerative conditions that require ongoing care.

Work that involves tight turns and severe flexion, especially at speed, strains hocks.

Hock problems are an extremely common lameness in any active horse, regardless of discipline, because of their complexity. Afflictions range from mild “strain” to bursitis to degenerative arthritic conditions. It’s also a relatively common site to find OCD.

The hock is a complicated joint, involving five levels of bone—tibia, three rows of tarsal bones, metatarsus/cannon—and the four joint spaces between them. The joint between the tibia and the upper tarsal bone travels through a wide range of motion, allowing the hock to flex, and resembles the elbow in many ways. The lower joints have much less movement and look more like the knee, but they don’t open and close to the…