big hound and swollen hocks

[Conejos]

I got a hound that is about 90lbs he is englishxbluetick and has alot of leg. He is about 5 years old. He has big callouses and knobs on his hocks. Every now and then they swell up and crack and leak fluid. He never acts sore or favors either leg. He still runs and travels well. Then they will just go down and there is just the rough skin left there. Anybody see this before? Should I be concerned?

[brandon]

My old walker (9 yr old) has had the same rough spots on his legs since I got him and he's never seemed to have a problem other than on long runs in crusted snow. Then the spots wear out faster than fur covered areas and don't get fully healed till the end of spring. I may be sticking my head out a bit but if the dog sits on a chain for long periods of time (meaning most days of the week for several months or all year) the swollen, sore, bare spots may be similar to a "bed" sore.