Hock Arthritis

[EquineAddicted]

So my vet has been to assess my pony after being out of work for a month due to an overstretched laminae.

He’s completely fine now (even better than he was before!) but the vet mentioned that he MAY have a touch of hock arthritis, just by looking at the way he moves his hind end.

The vet herself said she didn’t have any concerns, and she didn’t think there was any need to do further tests or treatment (eg. Injections)

So, for my peace of mind I would like to buy him some hock boots, but what is best? Should I get him magnetic ones, heating ones, cooling ones etc. ?

He’s perfectly comfortable 90% of the time, but every now and again he is quite stiff, especially if he’s been lying down for a while, so I want to help him get more comfortable.

Thanks

 

[Magnetic Sparrow]

My vet suspected hock arthritis when assessing my horse for a forelimb lameness, confirmed by x-rays. To be honest I have found (for this horse and a number of previous oldies I have had) that keeping them moving is the best idea. I am in favour of keeping arthritic joints warm when a horse is stabled in Winter. Right now in this weather I'd be more in favour of 24/7 turnout myself.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Mine has severe arthritis in both hocks. Both the farrier and the vet have said 24/7 turnout is preferable. I can do this until October when winter times kick in. Mine has had 2 lots of x rays, years apart to check for progression of problem.

 

[Birker2020]

So my vet has been to assess my pony after being out of work for a month due to an overstretched laminae.

He’s completely fine now (even better than he was before!) but the vet mentioned that he MAY have a touch of hock arthritis, just by looking at the way he moves his hind end.

The vet herself said she didn’t have any concerns, and she didn’t think there was any need to do further tests or treatment (eg. Injections)

So, for my peace of mind I would like to buy him some hock boots, but what is best? Should I get him magnetic ones, heating ones, cooling ones etc. ?

He’s perfectly comfortable 90% of the time, but every now and again he is quite stiff, especially if he’s been lying down for a while, so I want to help him get more comfortable.

Thanks

Spavin (hock arthritis) is more of a management issue. You might consider getting your horse some rubber matting if you can for his stable as this will make him more comfortable. I would also consider starting him on a decent joint supplement. I would also mention to your farrier if he can alter your horses feet in some way that will make the horse stop over compensating (if he is) or to add something (like lateral extensions) that will prevent him from over compensating by placing his feet midline (i.e. under his belly) in a way to prevent pain in his hocks. When a horse over compensates due to pain, however small, it will start moving in a different way which has a knock on effect all over the body and causes a multitude of issues into the future. So whilst joint injections might not be needed now, it might be worth considering some kind of herbal supplement like Devils Claw or turmeric, or even to consult the vet about starting your horse on half a sachet of bute a day for pain relief to stop that overcompensation.

Also get your horse looked at regularly by the physio (ideally find someone registered under ACPAT which is a veterinary physio therapy organisation who will be able to recommend a qualified physio in your area). He/She will be able to pinpoint any problems they see developing and also suggest some wonderful exercises that you can do with your horse. You need to make sure at this point in your horses life that he is ridden on a good surface, not trotted too much on the roads and is not overweight as this will be stress on his joints. Also like others have said before me, as much turnout as is humanely possible although I know its not always that simple.

My mare is out at night, in during the day in the summer. When she comes in she has Bioflow boots on alternate front or back legs daily. This really helps and I have noticed a huge different.

Finally make sure you warm your horse up slowly before riding and cool down afterwards. I kid you not, I know so many people over the years from previous yards who just jump on their horse and with a minute are trotting and cantering. NOOOOO!!!