All About ... Thorough Pin

 What is it

Thorough pin is a swelling of the tendon sheath near the point of the hock.  Not to be confused with a Bog Spavin which is fluid build up in the hock joint itself.  They are more of a cosmetic problem than a lameness issue, however, they can highlight any conformational faults which can lead to more serious problems later eg: arthritis.  

Signs

• Swelling under the skin in the hock area 
• Swelling is soft and mobile 
• Often swelling is seen on both sides of the hock 
• No heat 
• No pain 
• Generally no lameness

Causes

• More often seen in young and immature horses 
• Hard work 
• Poor hock conformation 
• Trauma to the area

Diagnosis

X-rays and ultrasound can rule out other causes of the swelling. 


Treatment

Rest and cold hosing or ice packs when swelling first occurs can decrease the size of the swelling.
 

Prevention

Regular shoeing and trimming by an experienced farrier.  Make sure your horses work load takes their conformation into account.

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Jo