noun Veterinary Pathology. a disease of the hock joint of horses in which enlargement occurs because of collected fluids (bog spavin ), bony growth (bone spavin ), or distention of the veins (blood spavin ).

Is spavin hereditary?

Like osteoarthritis in people, the cause of spavin is not very well understood. There is a very high incidence of it in Icelandic ponies, suggesting that in this breed there is a genetic predisposition. Other factors, including trauma and conformation, may play a role.

What causes bone spavin?

Causes of Bone Spavin in Horses

A developmental disorder that affects the joints of growing animals, particularly animals with a high rate of growth. Certain activities lead to excessive flexing of the hock joints or concussive force to them, which can encourage the formation of bone spavins.