Severe arthritis in the hock joint leaves no cartilage between the bones, creating painful friction with every step. In these advanced cases joint fusion, or arthrodesis, becomes the best option. By drilling through the joint and encouraging the bones to fuse, movement is eliminated and the source of pain is removed. While this joint can no longer flex, the procedure provides stability, relieves chronic pain, and allows the horse to return to a more comfortable and useful life. This is one of th