How do you treat bone spavin in horses?

Treatment for bone spavin, being a form of arthritis, aims to reduce pain either by reducing inflammation or reducing movement in the joint(s). In some cases there is a good response with anti-inflammatory medication such as phenylbutazone, while continuing exercise.

How long does it take for bone spavin to fuse?

Generally, fusion takes six to nine months to develop and, at most, 65% of treated horses are able to return to some work. An alternative means of fusion is to inject a chemical called sodium moniodoacetate (MIA) into the joints.

How do you prevent bone spavin in horses?

Limits on activity, adequate rest and the use of ice packs may reduce acute mild inflammation and swelling. For more severe, established cases of bone spavin, analgesics, anti-inflammatory medications, exercise management and even surgery may be required.

Is bone spavin hereditary?

Like osteoarthritis in people, the cause of spavin is not very well understood. There is a very high incidence of it in Icelandic ponies, suggesting that in this breed there is a genetic predisposition. Other factors, including trauma and conformation, may play a role.

Should I buy a horse with bone spavin?

It is best for a horse with bone spavin to be exercised daily. Preferably, this should be ridden or driven work, as lunging exercise places uneven stress on the joint. Pasture turnout may not be beneficial if the horse does not move much.

What causes bone spavin in horses?

Causes of Bone Spavin in Horses Conformational defects that affect the lower hind legs, such tarsus valgus and sickle-hocks, can lead to bone spavins. Poor trimming or shoeing can force the equine feet into an unnatural conformation, leading to bone spavins in horses with good natural conformation.

Can a horse with bone spavin jump?

Among all the sports medicine problems faced by the horse, bone spavin is probably the most common. It affects jumping and dressage horses, endurance horses and hacks.

Can you ride a horse with bone spavin?

Can you jump a horse with bone spavin?

Among all the sports medicine problems faced by the horse, bone spavin is probably the most common. It affects jumping and dressage horses, endurance horses and hacks. Fortunately, with treatment it can be managed effectively for years with horses competing and with little or no limitations.

What kind of shoes are good for a horse with bone spavin?

Shoes that are most useful for horses with bone spavins include shoes that help breakover – with a rolled or square toe, or with wedge pads. Some farriers will use horseshoes with heel support – for example egg bar shoes.

Can a horse return to sports with bone spavin?

In the case of bone spavin they can. This is because the two lower joints account for only 10% of the total hock movement. Nearly all of the hock movement takes place in the upper two joints. If bone fusion can be achieved, the horse can return to healthy performance in all but the most demanding of sports.

What causes spavin on the inside of horse’s Hock?

Jack spavin – This is an unusually large bone spavin that is found on the inside of the hock. Juvenile spavin – These are spavins in horses that are under three years old; unlike adult forms of spavin, this is usually caused by diseases and congenital disorders, such as osteochondrosis or cuboidal bone distortion.

How is bone spavin of the lower hock treated?

Osteoarthritis of the lower hock joint, also known as bone spavin, is incurable, and the aim of treatment is to manage the pain. It has been suggested that with time the lower hock joints will spontaneously fuse and subsequently become pain-free.