There are several reasons you might have to wrap or bandage your horse’s hock. The reasons might include a wound in that area or through instruction of your veterinarian. The hock is a difficult place to put a bandage or wrap. In this video, Sina Parsaye, DVM, of Colorado, walks us through the steps.

(Editor’s note: The content of this video is the expert’s approach to the topic. Please consult with your practitioner if you have questions.)

Click on the above image to play the video.

Materials and Methods

There are different materials that you can use to wrap or bandage your horse’s hock. In this video. Parsaye uses Elasticon adhesive tape and Vetrap or an elastic bandage wrap.

“When wrapping with Vetrap, make sure you are wrapping toward the center of the horse, or pulling the tendons inside,” said Parsaye.

Start at the bottom of the hock and move toward the top of the hock. Make sure you leave the tip of the hock exposed.

Finish the wrap with Elasticon or an elastic bandage material. He said to make sure you have half of the Elasticon on the Vetrap and half on the horse’s hair.

You should make sure you don’t apply your Vetrap too tightly around the point of the hock. That can cause more issues for your horse.

Tips and Tricks

Parsays shared some tips and tricks that he has learned over his career for wrapping a hock.

  1. Unroll your Elasticon prior to applying your bandage. Do this by holding the end and rolling out the Elasticon or elastic bandage material and re-rolling it up on the roll loosely. By doing this, you can make sure it is not too tightly to the horse.
  2. Make sure you can see the natural ‘wrinkles’ in the Vetrap material after you have applied the bandage. “If it is smooth, it is likely too tight,” Parsaye advised.

Final Words

Wrapping or bandaging a horse’s hocks can be difficult, said Parsaye. “It is better to have a loose bandage and have to reapply it than possibly injure your horse [with a bandage that is too tight],” he added.

If you have questions or concerns or need help wrapping or bandaging your horse’s hocks, consult with your veterinarian

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