Thoroughpin is a distention of the tarsal sheath of the deep digital flexor tendon just above the hock. It is characterized by plantar fluid-filled swellings visible on both medial and lateral sides proximal to the tibiotarsal joint, which distinguish it from bog spavin ( Serous Tarsitis). It is usually unilateral and varies in size. The lesion is referred to as a tenosynovitis of traumatic origin, but it may not be associated with any detectable inflammation, pain, or lameness. It essentially constitutes a blemish and so is of major clinical importance in show horses. Treatment is by withdrawal of the fluid and injection of hyaluronic acid or a long-acting corticosteroid, which may need to be repeated until the swelling does not recur. Radiation therapy also helps reduce the secretory property of the tendon sheath.
On Mar 18, 2009, at 6:53 AM, Chrystal Woodhouse wrote:
My mare has a swollen hock not at the joint itself as just above it, in the little "pockets" , there is not heat no pain, she is sound even after a flexion test, over the last 10 days I have iced,buted, & sweated it with no change, I applied Epsom salts yesterday and that seems to have shrunk it somewhat, anyway......any ideas?? You can palpate it and she does not react, is running and bucking all over the field, I did not start her at FITS because of this and if I cannot get rid of the swelling in the next few days will cancel our April ride schedule. Have had a vet look at her, but no x rays. Her hock was xrayed last fall and my vet was impressed by how clean they were so not likely to be arthritis ( plus as I said she is in no apparent pain.) SO................any thoughts/similar experiences?????
