Capped hocks – what you can do!
A capped hock is basically bursitis of the hock. Bursitis is when the bursae (a sac of fluid) of a joint becomes inflamed. In the case of a hock, this is due to an injury or trauma. Likely horse scenarios that create this trauma include a bang to the hock (fence, trailer, other horse) or even a kick inside a stall.
jump to shopping
A capped hock is a hard swelling at the point of the hock.
- It may look like your horse’s hock is trying to grow up and out. Often, the swelling can be the size of a small piece of fruit, like a plum. Capped hocks often recur, and the disfigurement becomes worse and worse with each bang.
- Luckily, a capped hock or capped hock pair is typically only a blemish and won’t result in lameness. If lameness does occur, it’s usually mild.
A somewhat capped hock on the left. It’s cosmetic for this horse after surgery – no issues here!
For fresh injuries
- As usual, early intervention is best. Delayed treatment can lead to the swollen area developing a permanent thickness. This may not be a true emergency, but chatting with your veterinarian and setting an appointment is a good idea. If there is lameness, the situation could be a bit more serious.
- You can, upon discovery, do your best to limit the inflammation. Cold or ice therapy is best, although your veterinarian may suggest alternating some heat therapy in there, too. A poultice can be applied, and for this area, an Epsom salt poultice may be your best bet.
Ice, Ice, baby!
- When your veterinarian arrives, he may inject the area directly with anti-inflammatory agents and can give you an idea of what sort of limited exercise your horse should have over the next days or weeks.
It’s important to also try and figure out why this injury happened.
- It’s not uncommon for this injury to happen in a trailer, in which case you want your next trailer trips to have leg protection that covers the hock. Shipping boots may fit the bill for you.
- If you have a stall kicker, it’s time to deal with this. I have known stall kickers that have kicked their way into surgery. Sometimes it’s that one kick that causes injury, or it’s the repetitive motion of kicking. There are plenty of things that you can do to squash a kicker’s tendency to kick here.
This horse’s askew capped hock is from surgery. He’s totally pain-free, sound, and happy! It’s cosmetic at this point for this horse.
- If you suspect the capped hock on your horse came from hard ground as he lays down and gets up, invest in some good bedding and really pad it up where he sleeps! For outside sleepers, there are some great all-weather beddings. I like the ones made from cedar that you can pile up for him.
What have you done for your horse’s capped hocks?
Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you. You can also visit my Amazon storefront here: PEG storefront.
Hi-quality no-bows with Back On Track reputation (that's good!)
These boots are the gold standard for jumpers and horses that like to interfere.
Be practical when wrapping your horse's legs with a traditional color, but toss in some spice with the understated pattern!
Protect your horse's legs and let them shine bright.
Show off your horse's legs with these safe, reflective, and fashionable boots.
These SilverSox are great for protecting the legs from rubs, help with scratches and mud fever, and provide some compression, too.
Thank you!
