What do hock injections do?

Asked by: Teejay Mann

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.

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 you know when your horse needs hock injections?

Here are some more visible signs that your horse might be in need of hock injections:

1. Issues with Jumping – One of the most common signs of hock pain can be seen in the horse’s ability to jump. …
2. Issues with Landing – You may also notice that your horse is facing a challenge with landing after jumping.

How long does it take for hock injections to take effect?

Your horse’s response to the injections will play a large part in helping us develop a future performance maintenance regimen. The effect of the medication typically maximizes in 2 weeks post-injection, so wait 2-4 weeks to assess the initial response.

How long should you wait to ride after hock injections?

Resume exercise gradually.
Stall rest ONLY for 24 hours after injection. After 24 hours, turnout is permitted. We recommend not exercising/ riding the horse on the day of treatment as well as one day following treatment (i.e. a total of two days).

How much do hock injections cost?

Costs vary. Depending on where you live and how many sites require injection, you’ll pay anywhere from less than $300 to more than $700 to have both hocks done. Repeated corticosteroid injections have been linked to progressive joint deterioration.

What causes hock problems in horses?

Potential horse hock joint problems include:
bog spavin (not a condition as such but caused by an inflamed joint) bone spavin. and most commonly, osteochondritis dessecans (OCD) and osteoarthritis (OA) i.e. arthritis of the bone.

How do you strengthen a horse’s hocks?

6 Simple Exercises to Strengthen Your Horse’s Hind Quarters

1. Stretch the leg forward as if you are trying to touch the opposite front leg with the back hoof.
2. Stretch the leg backward like you would if you were cleaning out his hoof. …
3. Stretch into high flexion. …
4. “Baited Carrot” stretches.

When is it time to put down an arthritic horse?

When is the right time to put a horse down?

1. old age, when their condition has deteriorated to such an extent they no longer have an acceptable quality of life.
2. serious injury.
3. a disease or illness that cannot be treated.

How long does it take for 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 old are horses when their hocks fuse?

Reach approximately 46% of mature weight by 6 months, 65% by 12 months. Reach approximately 84% of mature height by 6 months, 94% by 12 months. Most lower limb growth is complete by 12 months. Long pastern bone fuse by 6 months, the hock by 12 months.

How do you tell if your horse’s hocks are fusing?

The space between the bones is no longer apparent. A healthy hock joint will have a dark black line, indicating open space, between the bones. Here, we see bright white interrupting what should be a black line. This is bone fusing the hocks together.