Horse windgalls can be associated with the fetlock
joint (articuar) or the flexor tendons (tendinous)
Articular windgalls occur when excess
fluid collects in the fetlock joint and result from a small injury to the joint.
Fluid in the fetlock joint is kept in place by the joint capsule and it is a
swelling in the joint capsule that makes windgalls appear. The size of windgalls
often change according to the amount of exercise that a horse is undergoing. In
general windgalls are more common in heavy horses with more upright
conformation.
Treatment: the condition does not normally
cause lameness and no treatment is usually necessary. It is however a sign that
the joints are under more strain than normal and joint supplement fed routinely
might be useful in such horses to prevent problems in the future. Sometimes
addition of small amount so MSM in the diet can help to reduce windgalls.
Tendinous windgalls are seen close to
articular windgalls but slightly higher up and are caused by excess fluid in the
sheath that wraps around the flexor tendons. They tend to be a bit larger inthe
horse's hind legs and are usually of no concern. Again supplementation with MSM may help
the situation if they are unsightly.
More about
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Windgalls in horse's leg may occur as the
result of fluid collection in the fetlock resulting from a joint injury
