Hock/Ankle Hyperextension

A common condition when pet owners and veterinarians consider using a dog hock brace (tarsal orthosis) is for hock (ankle) hyperextension. You may observe your dog’s hock (tarsal) joint present very straight rather than bent while walking or even standing. In severe presentations, your dog’s hock may even appear to bend in the opposite direction. Your dog’s hock (tarsus) is composed of five joints that make up 7 tarsal (hock) bones, 2 crural bones (tibia/fibula or shin bones) and four to five metatarsal bones. There are several ligaments responsible for stabilizing the canine tarsal (hock) joint. Even though this presentation is not well described in veterinary literature, it is thought to be breed specific and occurs due to a laxity of the ligaments. In addition, if there are existing conditions higher up in your dog’s leg, this condition can occur due to compensation.

Your veterinarian is able to perform hands on tests to reveal the severity of laxity of the ligaments. They may suggest additional advanced diagnostics such as radiographs, and in some cases a CT to look for abnormalities within the joint. Depending on the severity of your dog’s hock (tarsal) hyperextension, your veterinarian may recommend an OrthoPets Tarsal Orthosis (dog hock brace) to provide stability and support while holding your dog’s hock in an appropriate and comfortable position. To learn more about our dog hock brace, take a look at our Tarsal Orthosis page to view patients enjoying life with their dog hock brace.

Talk to your veterinarian about an OrthoPets dog hock brace. OrthoPets has US Partner Clinics and worldwide Distributors to help you and your pet on your journey to restored comfort and mobility. We are here to support you and your dog’s hock injury.

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