Hock (anatomy)

The hock, tarsus or uncommonly gambrel, is the region formed by the tarsal bones connecting the tibia and metatarsus of a digitigrade or unguligrade quadrupedal mammal, such as a horse, cat, or dog.

This joint may include articulations between tarsal bones and the fibula in some species (such as cats), while in others the fibula has been greatly reduced and is only found as a vestigial remnant fused to the distal portion of the tibia (as in horses).

While homologous joints occur in other tetrapods, the term is generally restricted to mammals, particularly long-legged domesticated species.

[2] The hock is especially important in equine anatomy, due to the great strain it receives when the horse is worked.

Jumping, quick turns or stops, and movements that require collection, are some of the more stressful activities.