Bog Spavin

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Bog spavin in horses refers to inflammation of the synovial membrane. In this case, the membrane surrounds the tarsus, or hock, joint and can become long term. This can result in slight or severe enlargement of the hock. One or both hocks may be affected. The increase in fluid can be the result of injury (trauma), degeneration of bone or cartilage in the joint (OCD), or joint infection (septic arthritis).

Symptoms

Common in

Treatment

Depending on the cause of the bog spavin, several treatments are available and you should ask your veterinarian to make a diagnosis and for advice. If the condition is caused by traumatic injury (most commonly a ‘strain’) and there is no associated lameness, rest and some anti-inflammatory medication is all that is needed. If the joint remains enlarged it may be necessary to drain the joint of excessive fluid and to inject corticosteroids into it. This should only be considered if fractures, OCD and infection have been ruled out, by your veterinarian, with the use of radiographic (x-ray) examinations, joint fluid analysis and blood tests.

Prevention

Don’t overwork young, growing horses.
Don’t use a horse with poor conformation for high joint-stress type sports.
Treat all hock sprain injuries promptly and allow proper healing time.
Keep the feet properly balanced by a skilled farrier.