This condition, which has been known since the Middle Ages, is a movement disorder that affects only the horse’s hind legs. When the horse is being led, one or both hind legs are bent excessively and jerkily, so that the pastern almost touches the belly, and then are set down just as abruptly. The strutting gait resembles a rooster’s strut—hence the name.
The cause of true hock paralysis remains unknown. One theory suggests inflammatory changes in the nerves of the hind limbs and the spinal cord. It is believed that damage to these nerves leads to a reduction in inhibitory impulses, which in turn causes the severe overreaction. A second form, Australian hock, also known as toxic hock, can be attributed to the ingestion of poisonous plants, primarily common pigweed (Hypochoeris radicata). It usually affects both hind limbs and multiple horses in a herd.
A characteristic symptom of this condition is the jerky, excessive flexion of the hind limb and the resulting mincing gait. The symptoms become more pronounced during tight turns and when backing up. The movement disorder usually occurs abruptly and is primarily observed at a walk and, to some extent, at a trot. Affected horses typically show no impairment at a canter.
The characteristic appearance of hock deformity makes it easy to diagnose quickly. The only conditions that need to be ruled out are hock-like symptoms associated with spavin and patellar dislocation, as well as shivering syndrome (see the relevant articles).
There is no guaranteed cure for true hock spavin. In some horses, symptoms are present only at the start of movement and disappear on their own after five to ten minutes.
Medication is limited to drugs that help relax the muscles and vitamins that support nerve health. Your veterinarian will determine on a case-by-case basis which treatment is best suited for your horse.
If medication does not produce results, your veterinarian may recommend surgery. Various surgical procedures are recommended, though none guarantee a complete cure. Options include removing parts of the lateral digital extensor tendon or removing it entirely. However, before surgery, a veterinarian must confirm that there is no underlying condition causing the movement disorder.
Tooth fractures are relatively common in dogs and are usually caused by playing with stones or sticks, biting, or accidents. This can result in small, sharp chips in the enamel or larger defects that expose the pulp (nerve and blood vessels). If the pulp cavity is exposed, the tooth should be treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection and preserve the tooth. The incisors, canines, and fangs are primarily affected. Young dogs are particularly at risk because their teeth are still developing and are therefore much more unstable than those of adult dogs.
Just like us humans, our pets may also require surgical or diagnostic procedures that cannot be performed on an awake animal. Most operations and some diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopies or dental treatment, require anesthesia (a medically induced state of sleep), which carries certain risks even in healthy animals and during routine procedures. We will explain what you need to bear in mind before and after such a procedure in order to minimize these risks and what complications can arise during anesthesia.
Leukosis is a tumorous disease of the hematopoietic system and, unlike in dogs or cattle, is relatively rare in horses. Lymphatic leukosis is the most common form in horses and develops as a result of the degeneration of cells in the immune system.
It is something very special to buy a horse when it is still young or even a foal. Untrained and completely inexperienced, young horses need a lot of attention and knowledge, but ultimately it makes us riders very proud to work together with our beloved animals to become a great rider-horse team. However, any horse owner who plans to break in the horse themselves should first ask themselves critically whether they have the necessary riding skills and whether they have the time available. In any case, you should work hand in hand with a trainer to find solutions to even minor problems together. After all, it's about laying the foundation, which is essential for the horse's further training. Another option is to give the unbroken horse to a professional who has the necessary routine and experience in breaking in young horses. Often, just a few months are enough, and you can then bring the horse back and continue training it together with a trainer.
Tumors of the urinary bladder or urethra are relatively rare in dogs, but are often malignant. In most cases, they are transitional cell carcinomas. Older female dogs are primarily affected. A higher incidence has been observed in Scottish Terriers, Airedale Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Beagles.
This tumor, which originates in the spleen, is one of the most malignant cancers in dogs. The spleen tumor grows very quickly and spreads metastases to all other organs, often before the actual primary tumor is discovered. Older dogs between the ages of eight and ten are most commonly affected.
Anthrax is an acute, often fatal infectious disease that mainly affects cattle and sheep, but horses are also highly susceptible. The disease gets its name from the "burnt" appearance of the spleen in infected animals. Anthrax is found worldwide and is considered a zoonosis, as it is also dangerous to humans. It is a notifiable animal disease, but is now rarely observed in Germany. The anthrax bacterium is considered one of the most dangerous pathogens and could also be used by terrorists as a biological weapon.
A must-have in every horse stable: a box containing the most important items for providing first aid or minor treatment to your horse yourself.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Since horses have a significantly higher seizure threshold than small animals or humans, for example, seizure disorders are relatively rare in horses. Seizures only occur in horses with severe brain damage. Foals, on the other hand, have a significantly lower seizure threshold and are more susceptible to seizure-triggering factors.
Feline panleukopenia, also known as parvovirus or panleukopenia, is an acute, serious infectious disease that is particularly dangerous and even life-threatening for young, unvaccinated cats. Thanks to an effective vaccine, this disease can now be easily prevented.
Lush green meadows, a small herd of horses galloping towards someone calling from afar, the sun shining from a cloudless sky... how beautiful are the images of summer! And what a time for our horses, when they can live as close to their natural state as possible. Nevertheless, grazing time also requires appropriate management, regardless of whether the horses are only out to pasture for a few hours or live on permanent pasture for months at a time.
Mycoplasmosis is the most common respiratory disease in rats. Also known as murine respiratory mycoplasmosis (MRM), this disease is caused by a bacterium that is very common in pet rats and is chronic and progressive.
