Page 366 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

COMMON EXAMPLES OF DEGENERATIVE JOINT

DISEASE IN THE HORSE
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Bone spavin

Bone spavin is DJD (osteoarthritis) of the distal joints of the hock. The anatomy of the hock
is complex as it is made up of several joints (Figures 8.9a and b). Most movement occurs at

the tarsocrural joint and only a small amount of gliding movement is possible in the proximal
intertarsal, the distal intertarsal and the tarsometatarsal joints which are low-motion joints.

DJD of the distal hock joints is a common cause of hind limb lameness in the horse. It most
commonly affects the distal intertarsal and the tarsometatarsal joints. The proximal intertarsal
joint is only occasionally involved. When it occurs it is usually a more serious problem.

Figures 8.9a and b Lateral view of a) the bones of the hock and b) the joints of the hock

CAUSES
• Poor conformation. Horses with cow hocks, sickle hocks or excessively straight

conformation are susceptible (Figures 8.10a–e). With cow hocks and sickle hocks, the

medial aspect of the joint experiences greater stresses than the lateral aspect.
• Constant wear and tear due to compression and rotational forces generated when the