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Sickle-hocks in Horses
Limb Conformation:
Sickle-Hocks in Horses
Introduction
A sickle-hocked horse has a hock (tarsus) with too much angle when viewed from the side when standing at rest. The result is excessive strain particularly on the flexors, tarsal bones, and tarsal ligaments. There may also be strain on the foot and back of the horse. Horses with sickle-hocks are at an increased risk of developing arthrosis of the hock including thoroughpin, curb, bog spavin and/or bone spavins. Mild to moderate cases may be usable horses but with increase chance of chronic lameness. Severe cases should not be worked. In all cases trimming and shoeing to support the heels and ease breakover will help the horse. Continued evaluation for lameness and swelling for early indentification of problems and treatment. Treatment will consist mainly of rest, antiinflammatories, and reevaluation of the work load of the horse.
This conformation is considered heritable so breeding is discouraged.
Identifying Sickle-Hocks
Below, using diagrams and descriptive text you can learn to identify sickle-hocks.
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