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Joint Health Insight

Hock Swelling In Horses

Hock swelling can be simple fluid buildup after work, or a sign of deeper joint or soft tissue trouble. This guide helps you read what the swelling is saying, decide what is safe to manage at home, and know when to call your veterinarian.

What You Are Seeing

What Hock Swelling Usually Means

The hock is a complex joint that handles a lot of push from behind. When you see swelling around it, you are looking at fluid that has moved into soft tissues or the joint capsule as the body responds to stress, irritation, or injury.

Some filling is long standing and painless. Other swelling comes on quickly, brings heat or lameness, and needs urgent attention.

The size of the swelling is less important than the pattern. Heat, pain, lameness, and change over time matter more than how dramatic it looks.
Why It Happens

Common Causes Of Hock Swelling

  • Joint Effusion from repetitive work, concussion, or joint capsule irritation.
  • Arthritis (bone spavin, high-motion or low-motion hock joints).
  • Soft Tissue Strain around supporting ligaments and tendons.
  • Trauma from kicks, interference, or slips.
  • Infection or Cellulitis causing rapid, painful swelling.
  • Long Standing Bog Spavins that remain cool, painless, and cosmetic.

Not all swelling means your horse is injured. Some horses have long-term fluid pockets around the hock that do not impact soundness.

Real Rider Routine

A Three Step Plan For Mild, Cool Hock Swelling

This routine is for horses who are sound, with cool swelling and no signs of infection or trauma.

Step 1

Support Movement

Turnout and controlled walking help circulate fluid and reduce mild hock filling. Start slow and build movement gradually.

Step 2

Thoughtful Cold Therapy

Use cold therapy only when recommended by your veterinarian, especially if the swelling is new or linked to hard work.

Step 3

Support Soft Tissue Comfort

Many riders use comfort routines before and after work to support hock and surrounding tissue health.

Comfort leads to consistency. When the hocks feel better, the whole ride feels better.
Explore Products
Where Our Products Fit

How Riders Use Draw It Out® For Hock Support

  • Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel around the hock and gaskin for post-work comfort.
  • Draw It Out® RTU Spray for wide coverage around the hind limbs after tough days.
  • CryoSpray Cooling Body Brace when cooling is recommended for specific work or strain.
  • MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper soft tissue zones with veterinary guidance.

Hock Swelling In Horses — FAQ

Is hock swelling always serious

No. Some horses develop long-standing fluid pockets (bog spavin) that remain cool, painless, and do not affect soundness. Heat, pain, or lameness are the real red flags.

What causes sudden hock swelling

Sudden swelling can come from strain, joint irritation, trauma, cellulitis, or infection. Always check for heat, wounds, or a short stride.

Can I ride a horse with a swollen hock

Do not ride if the swelling is warm, painful, or causing lameness. For cool, chronic swelling with no discomfort, some horses remain sound for light work — but always consult your veterinarian.

Does hock swelling mean arthritis

Not always. Arthritis can cause swelling, but fluid can also result from strain, compensation, or repetitive work. Only imaging can confirm joint changes.

How can Draw It Out® help with hock swelling

Draw It Out® products are used to support soft tissue comfort and post-work recovery. They do not replace veterinary evaluation but can be part of a consistent care routine.

This guide is for education only. If your horse shows heat, pain, sudden swelling, fever, reluctance to bear weight, or wounds near the joint, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

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