Swollen Hock

[Allykat]

My TB is presenting with a fat hock and its been there since saturday. Its not excessively swollen, just a bit on the outside. There is no heat, no wound and he is not lame. So what do I do??

I hacked him yesterday just staying in walk and the swelling had reduced slightly. Today he went out and the swelling has remained the same. I've cold hosed, used arnica gel but not sure what to do next. When do I call the vet??

 

[Caritas]

When you say that the swelling is on the side where do you mean? In the fleshy part of the joint? If so, could be a bog spavin, my horse has one.

 

[Lucy_Ally]

Agree, or a thoroughpin. If he's not lame and there is no heat or pain then I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[Allykat]

Oh crumbs...never even thought of that

Yes it is on the fleshy part.

Thank you, you have put my mind at ease straight away. Its just been one thing after another with injuries this year so I always presume the worst

 

[Lucy_Ally]

Lol! I am the a real worrier and always imagine the worst scenario with my own hose!
I'd keep an eye on it, if it changes or gets hot or he goes lame then get the vet to have a look.

 

[evsj]

It could be a sprain or twist injury from getting up/rolling/frolicking? My mare had similar swelling this summer and i rested her for a couple of weeks then walk work only for a while. Keep an eye on it but if not lame take it easy until you see an improvement. maybe get expert advice if he is not right in a week or so.

 

[Caritas]

Shouldnt be a problem but i did have mine x rayed incase of ocd, may be an idea to put your mind at rest!! Good luck

 

[Allykat]

Thank you all for your advice. I rode him in the school tonight for about 25 mins. 20 mins of that was just in walk. He felt totally fine and the hock hadn't changed at all afterwards. I came up first last saturday and has gone down a bit since then, so I think light work until wednesday next week then a re think. He's perfectly happy in himself and as he is a male TB he does usually let me know when he isn't right

I'll let you know what happens

 

[Caritas]

Mine still goes up and down again at times. It is excess synovial (joint) fluid. If the leg is put under strain, i.e ridden or running in boggy field, it will come up but go back down again when worked on a decent surface or rested. Good luck!!

 

[filly190]

Is it a capped hock, from the stable. If so, no lameness, it goes away on its own, but looks unsightly.

 

[Allykat]

Thank you...it has gone down a bit more today

 

[hackwoodg]

Hi

This could have been caused by asking the beast to perform stunts (such as at the recent Chinese circus).

Have you recently been involved in such activity?

 

[Allykat]

No we prefer the russian circus personally