| Hock versus stifle: Which is hurting? Posted: 08 Apr 2010 01:40 PM PDT A friend of mine has a horse with an ouchy right hind. Maybe it's a fool's pastime, but we can't resist playing armchair diagnostician while awaiting the vet visit. We did a little research in both unimpeachable sources ( Adams lameness in horses in Google Books) and on the Internet in general. Setting aside the possibility of a hip problem, here are some points of collective wisdom of the Internet on the distinguishing characteristics of a hock versus stifle problem. - Adams lameness in horses says that on flexion, a horse with hock pain will exhibit a stronger pain reaction than one with a stifle (more dramatic lameness).
- While many of the symptoms are similar, Adams lameness in horses says that a toe first landing (stabby motion) is more typical of hock pain.
- According to a COTH posts...
- If horse puts hinds down onto the midline (slightly inwards, so the weight lands on the outside of the hoof) it might well be a hock issues.
- Standing with a hindleg crossed under (at midline level again), may again well be indicative of hock pain.
- Horses with stifle injuries tend to stand with the leg (hip to toe) pointing outward.
- Stifle problems will give a "bunny hop" motion, especially at the canter or when walking downhill. Hocks may show less hock action, swinging rather than flexion.
- Another one I forgot to add would have been backing up, horses having trouble backing up are often stifly.
So what about the collective wisdom of blog readers? Any tips or hints?  |
0 comments:
Post a Comment