Why would a horse needs hock injections?
3 min read
Asked by: Tracy Rogers
This injection has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the pain due to inflammation in the process. The two components of the injection can also have an impact on slowing down or stopping the cyclical process of issues such as arthritis. So hock injections can even have a long-term benefit on your horse’s joints.
Why do horses have their hocks injected?
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 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 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 do I know if my horse has hock problems?
Stiffness. Or rather stiffness at the start of a ride that eventually goes away. When a horse is suffering from a hock problem, all of the ligaments in the joint tense up and become tighter, trying to protect the joints and bones. This tightness will eventually be worked out as your horse stretches and moves.
How do you know if a horse needs hock injections?
Here are some more visible signs that your horse might be in need of hock injections:
- Issues with Jumping – One of the most common signs of hock pain can be seen in the horse’s ability to jump. …
- Issues with Landing – You may also notice that your horse is facing a challenge with landing after jumping.
What causes a horse’s hock to swell?
The swelling is a fluid-filled joint sac that may develop because of the strain of jumping, dressage, or reining when a young or unfit horse is asked for exercise beyond its level of fitness. A curb, or curby hocks, is a condition resulting from enlargement of the plantar ligament that runs along the back of the hock.
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 do you strengthen a horse’s hocks?
6 Simple Exercises to Strengthen Your Horse’s Hind Quarters
- Stretch the leg forward as if you are trying to touch the opposite front leg with the back hoof.
- Stretch the leg backward like you would if you were cleaning out his hoof. …
- Stretch into high flexion. …
- “Baited Carrot” stretches.
How do you treat arthritic hocks in horses?
We will generally suggest a certain type of shoeing to support the joint and encourage correct foot fall. Giving your horse bute around the time of shoeing will result in a happier horse (and farrier!) and consider working or lunging your horse for 10-15 minutes before it is shod to warm up arthritic joints.
What are the signs of arthritis in horses?
The most common symptoms of arthritis are swollen joints, stiffness, uneven gait, shortened stride and lameness. Your horse may be unable or unwilling to keep up with your demands. Jumpers may no longer want to stop or turn.
Can you ride a horse with fused hocks?
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.
