Bone spavin is the term used to describe a bony growth caused by osteoarthritis in the hock joint.
The hock is a complex joint composed of many bones arranged in rows.
Bone spavin in horses is usually associated with the two lowest joints in the hock;
- Distal intertarsal joint
- Tarsometatarsal joint
The arthritic changes in the hock may result in exotoses (extra bone formation) or loss of cartilage resulting in joint space narrowing. The end result of bone spavin is the fusing of the bones which leads to stiffness and for some horse the end of their competitive careers.
Bone spavin is usually associated with general wear and tear but poor conformation, diet and hoof management may also contribute. There is also evidence to suggest that there is a genetic disposition in some breeds.
Can Equissage help with bone spavin?
Yes.
Although use of Equissage cannot in any way reverse what is going within the hock it can help alleviate the inflammation around the joint and disperse the fluid build-up which in itself restricts movement.
As the horse will be on pain-relieving drugs for a considerable period of time, Equissage will help eliminate the toxic effects that the prolonged use will have, thereby ensuring that vital organs such as the kidneys are not overworked.
Because the discomfort in the hock joints will cause the horse to possibly not stand (when at rest) as it would normally do, there is every likelyhood that there will be stiffening through the back; Equissage can of course address this. As its use builds up heat, a session prior to the required exercise will be very benefitial as a warm-up. Bone spavin does not actually restrict hock flexion so use of the hand unit around the hamstrings will prevent muscle contraction in this area as a result of the reduced exercise regime.
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Application
A twice-daily treatment with the Pad will be most beneficial to help treat bone spavin;
- Warm-up prior to exercise (setting No.4-No.5 for 20 minutes)
- Warm-down afterwards (setting No.2-No.3 for up to 30 minutes)
This will ensure all the muscles and ligaments associated with hock joint mobility, as well as the hamstrings and muscles of the back/hind quarters, are put back into a relaxed state prior to the horse resting.
Use of the Hand Unit in association with the Pad, certainly as part of the warm-up, will help to disperse fluid and so help make exercise more comfortable, particularly until the fusion process has taken place.
