Capped hock?

[Nels]

Have seen a horse for sale that has a capped hock - this doesn't bother me but a friend said she wouldn't touch with a barge pole as this could lead to joint problems later in life?

I haven't heard of this before - anyone have any experience of a capped hock causing further problems? Or is this something I can ignore?

Thanks!

 

[girla]

Hi

Horses can receive capped hocks for all manner of reasons, be it from having a hard knock or simply laying down in shallow bedding on concrete floors.

I showed Welsh D's in hand for many years and one of my best mares had a slightly capped hock, she still went on to win many shows. It is not a confirmation default, it is mainly fluid that builds on the hock area. My mare was never lame and she never had any sign of joint problems in the hock.

I would advice you to have the horse vetted and point out to the vet that the horse has capped hocks, so your main concern is this area. See what the vet has to advice and then make a decision. Good Luck

 

[Nels]

Thanks for the reply! I was thinking along the same lines as you....I didn't think it caused any further problems. I just wanted to ask on here first rather then keep calling my vet with any little question - this horse buying is a minefield!

Thanks again

 

[Boxers]

I bought a pony with slightly capped hocks and had no trouble at all. When I bought him I also bought some rubber matting for the stable, just to give extra 'cushion'.

However, when I sold him I had two people come to look at him who would not buy him because they had previously experienced problems with capped hocks and arthritis.

So I think your best bet is the have the horse vetted and ask the vet to pay particular attention to that hock, and get online and research all you can about capped hocks!

Good luck!

 

[annunziata]

I have a horse that has a capped hock she did it in the trailer. she had a bone scan last year (unrealted) and they said that her capped hock joint was better than the other?!?! I would not worry about it if it does the job that is all that matters. Would get the horse vetted to get an opinion from a vet though!! Good luck shopping!!!