The horse’s hock is made up of 10 bones and 4 joints supported by several ligaments. The largest joint is the tarso crural joint (TCJ), which forms the upper part of the hock and has a ball and socket mechanism. The TCJ has the greatest range of movement and is known as a high motion joint.
How do you treat hock arthritis?
Advanced cases of hock arthritis may develop fusion, a bridge of bone that connects adjacent rows of tarsal bones and prevents movement. Early cases of arthritis are treated with a combination of joint nutraceuticals (glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, oral hyaluronic acid), local injection and sane exercise.
How long do hock injections last?
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 I know if my horse has arthritis?
Symptoms of Arthritis in Horses
- Stiffness.
- Pain, warmth, and swelling of joints.
- Tenderness of affected limb.
- Reluctance to exercise.
- Pain in the back.
- Slight swelling or puffiness of lower leg.
- Appetite loss.
- Trouble walking.