Page 352 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 8.5 Swollen hock due to a sprain
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to:
• alleviate pain
• stabilize the joint
• reduce the inflammation of the synovial membrane and the joint capsule; if damaged, the
cells in the synovial membrane release enzymes which can damage the articular cartilage
• prevent permanent fibrous thickening of the joint capsule which would limit its range of
motion
• prevent the development of osteoarthritis.
Treatment is likely to include the following.
• Box rest.
• Cold therapy for at least the first 48 hours.
