Bone Problems

Spavin and Horses: To Ride Or Not To Ride?

Spavin is a term used to indicate any type of swelling, either soft or hard, that develops on or around the hock that is not related specifically to a joint injury. Many types of spavin are soft to the touch and are actually the swelling of a ligament or muscle and will not cause permanent lameness to the horse provided they are properly cared for. Any horse or foal with spavin should be checked for problems with the conformation. Often corrective shoeing, especially in young horses, will help prevent further problems with the soft and bony types of spavin.The most common soft type of spavin includes bog spavin, which is a soft lump that usually forms down from the hock and is caused by a ligament swelling. Many horses that have sickle-hocks or hocks that are bent more than normal will have bog spavin. Ice packs and anti-inflammatories as well as rest and recovery is usually all that is needed. Corticosteroid injections may also be used to reduce swelling. [...]

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