Hock Luxation and Fracture

The same also goes for fractures, and this is why we always recommend that you have a vet examine any onset of lameness. Otherwise, how would you know if your horse sprained his hock or fractured the end of his tibia?

Correction of a simple Luxation of one of the lower hock joints without the presence of a fracture is fairly straightforward. The vet puts the horse under anesthesia and the dislocation is corrected. If the dislocation is in the upper joint, your vet may choose to employ a long cast to stabilize the structures until they heal.

Generally, a horse experiencing a luxation with no fracture should recover completely. However, the prognosis for fractures of the tarsal bones is generally unfavorable and full recovery without permanent lameness questionable. Visit the Gladstone Equine library for books that provide more extensive information on Hock Luxation and fractures

In addition to these standard methods for correcting the hock condition, complimentary therapies will give the horse a better chance for complete recovery. As we have shown previously, reliable treatments include cold Hydrotherapy, Application of anti-inflammatory medications, use of pressure bandages, Acupuncture – Acupressure, and, Low Energy Photo Therapy (LEPT), which is an excellent means of reducing swelling through increased vascularity and circulation.

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.