Bog Spavin

Bog Spavin

Bog Spavin is characterized by swelling of the tarsocrural or the upper, main joint in the hock. Unlike Bone Spavin, this condition usually occurs in younger horses, showing up at six months to two years of age. The condition usually results from Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) or subchondral bone cysts. OCD, the genesis of which is unknown, is characterized by large flaps of cartilage or the presence of loose cartilaginous bodies. Some authorities theorize that the condition is caused by nutritional factors.

Other causes of Bog Spavin can be trauma and poor conformation. It seems that horses with straight hocks seem more likely to develop Bog Spavin and most likely to carry the swelling for their entire lives. Degree of lameness will vary, and in many cases, the animal may not be lame at all.

Visit the Gladstone Equine library for books that provide more extensive information on bog spavin. There is also an excellent anatomy chart that illustrates general hind limb and joint anatomy as well as a specific hind leg conformation chart.

Swelling in the hock joint is the main characteristic of Bog Spavin. The swelling has a predictable appearance: A soft, movable swelling on the inside front portion of the hock, and another, slightly higher on the outside of the hock. If one of these swellings is compressed, the other will expand proportionally since both swellings are out-pouchings of the same bursar sac.

Your veterinarian will have to examine the animal in order to determine if OCD is evident. Treatment of this condition depends on the cause. If OCD is present, removal of the cartilage via arthroscopy should be considered; your vet can make that determination. If there is no OCD, then the goal is to reduce the swelling, and the best ways to achieve this are by means of Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture - Acupressure, and Low Energy Photo Therapy (LEPT), which is an excellent means to reduce swelling through increased vascularity and circulation.

In addition. LEPT raises the levels of nitrous oxide in the area of treatment. Clinical studies by medical schools independent research organizations and Government institutions, Have confirmed that increases in nitric oxide are required in the healing process, in that they allow nerve synapses to communicate more efficiently, ultimately creating increased circulation and lymphatic flow.

Magnetic Therapy has also been promoted as a useful modality, but we have not seen any clinical evidence to sustain those claims. If you are aware of any scientific studies that support the efficacy of magnetic therapy, please Let us know about them.

Gladstone Equine can help find and treat your horse’s hock problems painlessly. Click here to schedule an appointment for your horse.

Central Virginia’s authorized distributor of the STS-2 Equine Therapy System from Sumerel Therapeutics. To purchase your own system or to schedule an appointment for your horse, Call or email us today – 804.337.7190