Horse Health

Joint strains

Grossly distended hock

Grossly distended hock.

Joints are relatively sensitive structures.

The capsule around the joint is made of fibrous tissue, which is prone to damage. If this joint capsule is torn or damaged, the joint will become swollen and painful.

The lining of a joint is particularly sensitive to strains and joints are supported by ligaments that can also be damaged.

An injection of local anesthetic into the joint will numb the pain and allow the vet to diagnose the location of the strain.