How do you treat a Windpuff?
There is usually nothing you can do to prevent the formation of windpuffs. Even bandaging and sweats will only temporarily decrease the effusion, which will usually return a few hours after bandage removal. Once windpuffs have developed, there is rarely anything that can be done to correct them.
What causes Windpuff in horses?
A windpuff is a soft swelling usually found on a horse’s fetlock. The remnant of an old injury, it occurs when inflammation stretches a tendon sheath, bursa or joint capsule and then subsides. The structure remains stretched and fills with fluid.
What are Windpuffs in horses legs?
Windpuffs, also known as windgalls, are a cosmetic blemish of the ankles (fetlocks) in horses similar to thoroughpin near the hocks. Specifically, windpuffs are fluid swelling of the tendon sheath makes the legs appear puffy or swollen.
How do you treat a Windgall?
Treatment of a windgall is an antiphlogistine poultice and cold compresses. Soak the leg in Epsom salts and lukewarm water for 20 minutes, cold-hose the entire leg for 20 minutes, and apply a kaolin-based poultice to the affected area. Follow the instructions on the tub. Repeat until the swellings have subsided.
Are Windpuffs painful?
Many horses have windpuffs, especially on the hind legs. Most windpuffs don’t cause pain. They are simply extra fluid, creating a soft enlargement.
Are Windgalls a problem?
Often these swellings appear with no associated lameness. However, in some cases they can be a sign of a more serious problem and associated with a moderate to severe lameness. Windgalls without lameness are common and usually only a concern for cosmetic reasons – they’re likely to be the result of wear and tear.
Do Windgalls go away?
However, windgalls that cause lameness usually require a period of rest to recover followed by a gradual reintroduction to controlled exercise. How long will depend on the type of injury. Bandages are often useful initially in reducing swelling but must be applied correctly with plenty of padding.
Should I worry about Windgalls?
Horses that have small symmetrical windgalls with no lameness or performance problems can often lead normal competitive careers as long as well managed. Remember, any new swellings should be checked out promptly by a vet and then regularly monitored by you for any changes.
When should I worry about Windgalls?
Generally, windgalls are benign in nature and are regarded as minor damage to the joint, appearing without pain, heat or lameness. A windgall type of swelling appearing below the fetlock and indicating levels of pain, heat or lameness, should be treated with suspicion.
Can Windgalls go away?