WRENCHED HOCK 123 



DISEASES OF THE HOCK JOINT 



WRENCHED HOCK 



This is an affection which is much more common than is generally 

 supposed. Attention was first directed to it in this country by Macqueen, 

 who defined the condition as a momentary incomplete luxation. It 

 will be readily understood that, in a joint of such complex structure, if 

 the foot becomes fixed the various ligaments, synovial membranes, 

 articular surfaces, tendons, vessels, nerves, &c., are easily damaged during 

 violent efforts on the part of the animal to release it. Ligaments may 

 be sprained or slightly lacerated. The synovial membranes may be torn, 

 tendons may be sprained and the articulations bruised. It is a case, in 

 fact, where the whole machinery or the hock has thrown upon it a 

 sudden and severe sprain. A similar result may be due to slipping 

 whilst jumping or whilst shafting heavy loads on slippery pavements. 

 There is pronounced lameness. The hock rapidly swells and presents 

 a rounded, clearly moulded appearance. It is very hot to the touch 

 and during its manipulation the animal evinces signs of intense pain. 

 The condition is accompanied by marked systemic disturbances. The 

 patient declines to feed, its pulse is quick, small and hard, and its 

 temperature may be elevated. 



Complete rest should be provided and the joint dressed with cooling 

 astringent applications. In addition a stimulating febrifuge draught 

 should be administered. After the acute symptoms have subsided a 

 mild blister should be applied and the animal allowed to run out for two 

 or three weeks. 



TRAUMATIC INJURIES 



Acute inflammation as a result of traumatic injury to the hock joint 

 is very common. Such injury may be due to a kick, a stab with a fork. 



