Bog Spavin
Symptoms
Small to large soft swellings found on the hock joint, often with one at the back above the joint, one below the joint and occasionally one on the inside as well.
Cause
Thought to be caused by poor conformation, sprain or other problem with the joint, usually occurring at a young age although it can be seen in horses of any age. The swelling is caused by excess fluid in the joint, and is usually only a cosmetic blemish although occasionally it can cause lameness.
Treatment
If the spavin is caused by a strain, then hosing the area, resting the horse and administering anti-inflammatory drugs should decrease the swelling. If it has appeared for other reasons and treated early enough, then hosing the area, resting the horse and stabling it to prevent it from moving around may help. The area can be drained to remove the excess fluid and a corticosteroid injection can be given to prevent the fluid from building up again. Your veterinary surgeon will be able to diagnose the correct cause and be able to treat it accordingly, as fractures and infection may be present and these will need to be treated accordingly. If the spavin is caused by poor confirmation, then it is likely to be a reoccurring ailment. Also refer to bone spavin, which is also a problem affecting the hock joint.
Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.