Bog Spavin

[harvgj19]

I have been doing some research as to what might be the diagnosis of the "lump" on Harv's leg. Seems to me it might be a bog spavin, as he has not shown any lameness.

Does anyone have any information or experience of Bog Spavins?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[aran]

A "bog spavin" is a soft, sometimes even squashy, swelling on the hock, to the inside of the leg and toward the front of the hock. Bog spavins can be large and highly visible (and make horse-owners very nervous). It is excessive fluid in the largest of the hock joints. This can result in slight or severe enlargement of the hock. One or both hocks may be affected. The increase in fluid can be the result of injury (trauma), degeneration of bone or cartilage in the joint (OCD), or joint infection (septic arthritis). There may be associated lameness which can range in degree from mild to severe depending on the cause.
If the condition is caused by traumatic injury (most commonly a ‘strain’) and there is no associated lameness, rest and some anti-inflammatory medication is all that is needed. If the joint remains enlarged it may be necessary to drain the joint of excessive fluid and to inject corticosteroids into it. This should only be considered if fractures, OCD and infection have been ruled out, by your veterinary surgeon, with the use of radiographic (x-ray) examinations, joint fluid analysis and blood tests. If the horse is lame, it should be rested and treatment postponed until the cause of lameness and spavin is determined. Treatment will entirely depend on the diagnosis. Box rest, joint medication or surgery may be recommended.

 

[harvgj19]

Thanks!