Canine orthopaedics Hock surgery
The hock, or tarsus, is a complex set of joints that helps a dog support weight and push forward. When severe pain or instability cannot be controlled by preserving the joint, arthrodesis can create a stable, fused limb.
Usually considered for significant pain or instability not suited to joint-preserving care.
Partial fusion or pantarsal fusion is selected to match the joints affected.
Restricted activity and repeat imaging help protect and assess the fusion.
Start with the diagnosis
Arthrodesis means surgically fusing a joint. In the tarsus—the hock—there are several joints, so the term describes a family of procedures rather than one identical operation for every dog.
Arrange an orthopaedic consultationThe tarsus may become painful or mechanically unstable after major ligament injury, fracture or dislocation, severe osteoarthritis, or other damage affecting the joint surfaces. When the affected joints cannot be made comfortable and dependable with less extensive treatment, fusion may be discussed. The recommendation depends on examination, imaging, the precise structures involved, and the dog's overall health and activity needs.
A partial tarsal arthrodesis fuses only the affected lower joints and aims to preserve motion in the tarsocrural joint, the main hock joint. A pantarsal arthrodesis fuses the tarsocrural joint as well as the lower tarsal joints. The right choice is determined by the location and extent of disease or instability; preserving a healthy joint is desirable when the injury pattern allows it.
The aim is to reduce painful movement and provide a stable limb for weight-bearing—not to recreate a normal, flexible hock. Many dogs adapt well to the changed mechanics, but expected function varies with the underlying problem, limb alignment, other injuries, and healing.
Inside the operating plan
Arthrodesis is planned from the patient's anatomy and diagnostic images. The surgical details vary, but the core principle is to prepare the affected joint surfaces and hold the bones securely in the intended alignment while fusion develops.
Examination and radiographs help map the injury and decide which joints need fusion. Additional imaging may be advised in complex cases.
The surgeon prepares the selected joint surfaces to encourage bone fusion and positions the hock in an appropriate functional alignment.
Implants, commonly a plate and screws, hold the bones while healing occurs. Follow-up checks and imaging guide progression of activity.
The recovery journey
After surgery, your dog will need carefully controlled activity. Depending on the case, a padded bandage or splint may be used for a period; these need close monitoring and prompt veterinary attention if they slip, become wet, smell, or cause discomfort. Strict rest, short lead walks for toileting, and preventing running or jumping are commonly part of early care.
Rechecks assess the incision, comfort, limb use, and radiographic progress. Activity is increased gradually only when the surgeon is satisfied that healing is adequate. The timeline is individual, so follow the specific instructions from your veterinary team rather than a general schedule.
Common questions
No. Fused joints no longer move normally. The goal is a more comfortable, stable limb, and many dogs adapt to the change, but their movement and high-impact activity may differ from before.
No. Treatment depends on the specific structures injured, the degree of instability or arthritis, and the patient's needs. Some cases may be managed with other treatments; fusion is reserved for situations where its benefits are judged to outweigh the loss of joint motion.
Bone fusion takes weeks to months, and the timeline varies. Your veterinary team will use examination and follow-up imaging to decide when to adjust restrictions and begin increasing activity.
Sometimes. If disease or instability is limited to the lower joints, a partial arthrodesis may preserve motion at the main hock joint. If that joint is also affected, pantarsal fusion may be considered. Imaging and surgical assessment determine what is appropriate.
A considered decision
An orthopaedic assessment can clarify which joints are affected, whether fusion is appropriate, and what a realistic recovery plan may involve for your dog.
