Bone Spavin
Symptoms
Most often external signs cannot be seen, although occasionally a bony swelling can be found on the inside of the hock joint. Usually found in older equines, with lameness and stiffness found in varying degrees, slight to very severe. This is usually seen by a shortening of the stride, dragging of the toe and reduced flexion of the hock. This may appear to be only in one leg, although usually can be found in both, and may disappear during exercise but return whilst the horse is at rest.
Cause
Arthritis in the lower joint of the hock. The damage and degeneration of the hock can vary and lameness may be shown indefinitely, or only for a period of time whilst the new bone from the arthritic changes is developing, and once this has fused the horse may become sound again. Arthritis is usually caused by constant strain over a long period of time, which is why it is usually seen in the older horses. New bone may develop to deal with this strain and strengthen the areas most affected, which can happen with bone spavins. Horses with poor conformation can be more affected by bone spavins due to the excess strain which may be placed upon their bodies.
Treatment
Your veterinary surgeon will be able to test your horse with a spavin test, although this may show a problem with the hind leg which is not necessarily a bone spavin. This involves trotting the horse to identify the lame leg, flexing the lame leg and then trotting the horse again to see if the lameness is any worse. Once the condition and cause has been identified, your vet will be able to suggest possible treatments. This may include speeding up the changes in the joints so the horse becomes sound again, which could involve painkillers so the horse can be exercised, corrective shoeing or surgery. Also refer to Bog Spavin, a similar problem affecting the joints.
Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.