Hock

div p The hock joint rests between the tibia and the third metatarsal (cannon) bone. The bones of the hock joint line up in 3 rows and interconnect by numerous ligaments to stabilize the joint. Horses with hock joint pain present with a wide range of symptoms from acute lameness to poor athletic performance. Physical examination findings include distension of the hock joint, heat, and pain on joint manipulation. The most common causes of lameness in the hock joint are osteoarthritis (i.e. bone spavin), synovitis (inflammation of the joint capsule, bog spavin), osteochondrosis, desmitis (inflammation of a ligament, curb), and fractures (especially in athletic horses). p div