Hock (zoology)

The hock is the tarsal joint of a digitigrade quadruped, such as a horse or dog.

Horses may suffer from "capped hock", which caused by swelling of the bursa, a sac beneath the skin which protects the bone. Capped hock is usually caused by trauma such as kicking or slipping when attempting to stand. It does not require immediate veterinary attention, and has a good to guarded prognosis according to an Idaho-based equine practioner. [1]

See also: Heel