How long does this usually take?? I am sure it is different with every horse. Have a calf horse that was told the hocks were in the process of fusing about 2 years ago. She is ridden very little and I think they say the more that you ride them the quicker the fusing process goes. Any info would be appreciated.
Posted 2008-07-23 2:07 PM (#88081 - in reply to #88068) Subject: RE: hocks fusing
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
The only way to know if the fusing is done is getting a good set of X-rays or a fluoroscope of the hocks. Two years does seem long to me personally. Have you tried any injections, maybe the horse needs to realize the pain is gone.
Posted 2008-07-24 12:33 PM (#88179 - in reply to #88068) Subject: RE: hocks fusing
Veteran
Posts: 250 Location: AL
We use to have this horse's hocks injected, and when the vet told us this(hocks might be fusing) was when the hock would not take the injection. Have not had them x-rayed, but may do that to know. They say once they fuse that there will be no more pain in them, so that would be good to know.
Posted 2008-07-24 4:59 PM (#88202 - in reply to #88068) Subject: RE: hocks fusing
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
Theres no point in injecting hocks that are fusing. The medial and distal tarsal bones fuse together and this may in turn fuse to the third metacarpal. These joints have little flexion in them to begin with. Once they fuse a reasonable level of soundness returns but these bones and their small joint spaces are part of the shock absorption system so high level performance such as jumping is not usually recommended. Please note repeated use of steriods is implicated in laminitis and fusing hocks are usually due to angular limb deviations so the shoeing protocol should be looked at hard ( take steps to reduce concussion). Time is the healer, work should not stop but should be significantly reduced. Long slow walks.1-2 years not unheard of and likely the norm. Rich
Posted 2008-07-25 6:43 AM (#88238 - in reply to #88202) Subject: RE: hocks fusing
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Two years is not long for the process, but does seem long for the soundness issues. Every vet has different approaches to hock injections and mine does them to reduce the pain of the fusing process. In addition to jumping other activities that can cause earlier fusing are cutting and reining both hock intensive disciplines.
hocks fusing
