Cow-hocked

or cow hocks (n.) describes a defect in the conformation of four-legged animals, primarily of livestock and horses, but also of dogs and cats.

An animal is cow-hocked when its hock is set inward, resulting in a splayed look in the back legs.

This can result in the uneven wearing of hooves, which can end up in permanent lameness, and can prove to be a very serious condition.

Another way of spotting cow-hock is when the hooves point outward as a result of the incorrect lineup of the joints in the leg.

[1] Cats are commonly cow-hocked, with the hind legs angling inward at the ankles and the feet splaying outward more than forward.