capped hock

[ayrabz]

hello guys. Been awhile since I’ve logged in! I’m still struggling with the ‘new’ (to me) format.
Well. Our lovely young ‘to be show horse’ mare has an ugly capped hock. Initial reasoning seems a knock or trauma in turnout — yes vetted. yes treated (at first bute a few days, cold hosing, dmso…then on to cold hosing and surpass…then pulled films to be sure zero bone chip or bone involvement) anyway. never lame… during all of this and since I note she is an aggressive roller who always grinds that leg/hock in…never had an issue in stall (bedding or kicking, etc)…but she loves to dig in and push off from there in turnout. Vet did not suggest draining or steroid injections due to the likelihood it would return given her habits.

So, I’m heartbroken even to look at her lovely young legs. Was just getting ready to send her out for some (3 mo) undersaddle work while daughter is finishing up her last year of grad school…vet says acute situation is done, and mare can go-----

Can anyone give me help, suggestions, experiences with working with a capped hock and keeping it from getting larger…keeping it not be a soundness issue, and any maintenance/practices daily with a horse in work to help ? Clay poltice/hosing/hock protection? I want to aid this all I can.

thanks!

[Simkie]

Hi!! How’s your farm coming along?

It’s always been my understanding that a capped hock is a blemish, not an unsoundness. Ugly, but benign. I had a gelding with capped hocks as a kid–he was a trailer kicker–and he was NEVER unsound from them at all. I was told not to worry about it

I wonder if a pair of those Back on Track hock boots would help, though? Worth a shot! :yes:

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[ayrabz]

Awww, Simkie! so good to hear from you! Little farmette is rolling along. So tiny, and hard to manage…manure issues, and how to deal…but its doing well. Was so sad that as soon as I moved in, Mom had a fall, brain bleed and we’ve had health issues for her ever since—so, as sole caregiver, I find there is no horse time, just feeding time, stall cleaning, paddock pick up, bring in, take out. Mom has conditions that make her a fall risk, so every potty trip all night long, I’m there…(usually every 2 hours) and all meals, bathing, etc. Its all good, and I’m thankful to be here, but horse ‘fun’ has become a thing of the past for now. Hope all is well for you and yours!

[akdraft77]

I also have a mare with capped hocks. Have had her for about 4 years. She had them when I got her. They have never caused an issue. Just look funny.

[Simkie]

Oh boy, ayrabz, that sounds challenging I hope you’re still getting a few moments for some horse relaxation time every day? You have all this going on and your silly filly goes and adds more stress by capping her hocks–that’s not fair at all! (I hope she got a stern talking to :))

[ayrabz]

akdraft: thanks. I know that is what everyone shares…its just that it was recent enough I wondered if there were things I could/should be doing to help maintain it not to enlarge. and Simkie you betcha she did get that talking to!!! and she rolled her eyes at me and walked away.

[akdraft77]

I read about someone trying the red light therapy on their horse, but I’m not sure how it turned out. You might check into that?

[merrygoround]

They are a blemish, and they are frequently permanent, but do not affect performance.