Bone Spavin

This is osteoarthritis of the hock joint or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, merely managed by treatment so as to lower the discomfort and pain that the horse may be experiencing. Some of which can be quite successful, ensuring that there is no pain for up to 6 months. Lameness is a factor, but the severity will differ from horse to horse. There may also be some swelling.

The degeneration is often caused by the erosion of the Tarsal bones within the hock which then stimulates new bone growth, poor conformation, poor shoeing or excessive participation in sports such as jumping and dressage. Naturally the horse will need rest, anti inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, possible draining of the area or a lubricant put directly into the joint, possible fusing of the joint using chemicals or surgery or correct shoeing.