The hock is such a common site for injuries and pain in performance horses because it is the pivotal joint for the hind limb and receives considerable force during rear end propulsion.
Two of the most common disorders of the hock, which is the complex joint between the stifle and ankle consisting of six bones and four joints, are bone spavin (distal tarsal osteoarthritis) and bog spavin (tarsocrural effusion).
Spavin usually is referring to the narrow lower joints of the hocks. These bones don't contribute a lot to the motion of the hock, but they sure can produce a lot of pain when they are arthritic or inflamed.
Distal tarsal osteoarthritis (bone spavin) is very common in performance horses and is said to be probably the most common cause of hind end lameness or pain in horses. These are some of the common names used:
- Jack Spavin
- Juvenile Spavin (abnormal development of small cuboidal hock bones)
- Occult Spavin or Blind Spavin - Tarsitis (seen in young racehorses and performance horses)
- Spavin
- Bone Spavin - Adult onset spavin (wear and tear or repetitive trauma from performance demands)
If your performance horse is exhibiting any signs including intermittnet lameness that gets worse with performance demand, reduced performance, reluctance to work off their hind end, behavioral or training problems or back pain, you should perhaps consult your veterinarian.
There is a wealth of information about bone spavin and bog spavin available. Educate yourself if you own horses that you suspect my be suspect for these injuries.
