{"id":14500,"date":"2023-01-14T10:46:59","date_gmt":"2023-01-14T14:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=14500"},"modified":"2023-01-14T15:16:42","modified_gmt":"2023-01-14T19:16:42","slug":"windgalls-windpuffs-in-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/windgalls-windpuffs-in-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Windgalls (aka Windpuffs) in Horses: Symptoms, Treatment, &\u00a0More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Windgalls, or windpuffs, are a soft tissue condition that happens in the lower portion of the deep digital flexor tendon sheath. It’s considered a cosmetic condition as it doesn’t impair or otherwise affect the performance of a horse’s movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The terms windgalls<\/em> and windpuffs<\/em> will be used interchangeably, as both relate to the same thing. The condition can appear in two or all four legs and creates the appearance of puffy lower legs and fetlock joints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that the appearance of windpuffs in horses doesn’t affect their ability to perform, although it can indicate that your horse needs a change in its routines, shoeing, or a reduction in its work schedule to prevent issues associated with windgalls such as arthritis and tendinitis. The condition doesn’t require regular management, although it’s possible to treat a case of windpuffs through medication and leg support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Windpuffs in horses are just one of those things that happens to a working horse. It’s rarely painful, but it may annoy a horse owner to have a horse with legs that don’t look clean. Read on to learn more about windgalls in horses and how to care for a horse with chronically puffy tendons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n As always, the information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice for your horse. You should always consult with your vet when treating your horse.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Windgalls, or digital sheath tenosynovitis<\/em>, is a common issue in horses and is seen in all four fetlock joints. Another way to describe the condition is “synovial effusion of the tendon sheath.” Windpuffs are the result of the collection of fluid in the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons that extend into the hoof capsule. The condition can cause mild soreness, especially if the horse has been standing in a stall for a long period of time, but it doesn’t affect the overall soundness of the horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On occasion, the condition is caused by pathologic damage to the tendons in the lower leg, but otherwise, the condition is idiopathic most of the time. (Idiopathic means an unknown cause, and pathologic refers to damage caused by disease.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Horses are prone to developing windpuffs for a number of reasons. Horseowners don’t need to worry about their appearance unless the horse is lame and there’s heat in the leg. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, the tendon sheath will thicken and lose some of its elasticity. This results in the permanent appearance of windpuffs, and no amount of standing wraps or support boot use will resolve the issue. As long as your horse isn’t showing signs of lameness or discomfort, there’s nothing to worry about apart from the visual appearance of bumpy legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The swelling from windgalls tends to go down when your horse is in motion. You may notice them disappear after your horse has been in turnout or you’ve been riding them. The action of the leg pumps out the excess synovial fluid, causing a reduction in the appearance of windpuffs. However, they will return once your horse has been put away in its stall for a period of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What windgalls in horses are not is a bowed tendon. A bowed tendon has a different appearance along with the presentation of severe lameness after the injury has occurred. Your horse is sound as long as there is no heat or signs of lameness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Windgalls range in size from small bumps in the rear of the lower leg tendons to puffy fetlock joints that make it look like your horse has a swollen ankle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Windgalls show up as a response to repeated overuse of the tendons. That is, a horse can overstretch its tendons in any type of activity it’s used for. The tendon sheath becomes inflamed as a result, and allows synovial fluid to pool. Your horse may be mildly lame for a few days after this type of injury, which is the equine equivalent of a sprained ankle. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are\u00a0Windgalls in Horses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What do Windpuffs in Horses Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preventing the Formation of Windgalls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n