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Discussion on Swollen hocks
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New Member:
saleong
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Posted on Friday, Jul 31, 2009 - 12:32 am:
Hi
I am wondering whether any treatment is needed to address swelling in the hocks shown in the attached picture. The swelling has been present as long as I have known this horse for the last three months. The horse also has had problems with tripping on the left rear foot being unable to lift the foot fully after breakover, catching it underneath, and therefore stumbling. The horse had received a blistering treatment for a stretched patella in three locations in both rear legs including the hock before I saw it. Ultrasound had apparently shown no abnormality in the ligament. Regular riding by a trainer subsequently for 6 weeks had greatly reduced the frequency of stumbling to near normal but the swelling on the hocks has remained. A second round of blistering was conducted three weeks ago in both legs and now the horse stumbles again on both legs. The veterinarian is talking about surgically cutting the ligament. After reading your postings on leg lock and hock injuries, I am wondering if the blistering could have contributed to the swelling in the hocks and if this can and should be addressed? The injections in the hock area seem unusual from what I have read about blistering. You do not recommend cutting of the ligament. It is not clear to me whether this problem was properly diagnosed in the first place since there was no evidence by ultrasound for ligament damage or stretching. What other damage could have lead to swollen hocks and stumbling?
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