Hock Conditions and Injuries

The most common hock conditions are Bog Spavin, Bone Spavin, Capped Hocks, Fractures and Luxations.

The hock is not a simple joint. Rather, it consists of several different joints. The uppermost and the largest of these is the tarsocrural joint, or the true hock, and this is where most of the joint’s flexion takes place. Adjacent to this joint is the calcaneus bone, which forms the point of the hock. Below the tarsocrural joint are three smaller joints in which occur very little motion.

A good hindlimb and joint anatomy chart will illustrate all the details of this complicated joint. Visit the Gladstone Equine library for books that provide more extensive information on hock conditions.

Click on the individual links below to learn details on the most common hock conditions:

Bog Spavin: Swelling of the tarsocrural or the upper, main joint in the hock. Bone Spavin One of the most common causes of lameness in the hind legs.
Capped Hock: Usually caused by the horse’s kicking a solid structure.
Luxations and Fractures: dislocations of the hock are relatively common.

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