
THERE are two types of windgalls, which are a soft swelling located to the rear of and slightly above the fetlock joint on a horse’s leg. This swelling is either an enlargement of the fetlock joint capsule (an articular windgall, see box, overleaf) or more commonly a swelling of the protective digital flexor tendon sheath (a non-articular, or tendinous windgall).
Windgalls are often dismissed as a side effect of an active life. Many apparently normal horses in full work have slight windgalls due to digital flexor tendon sheath swelling, particularly in the hindlimbs. The degree of swelling may vary according to the environmental temperature, being less obvious in cold weather and greater in hot weather.
The swelling may also be influenced by exercise. Work often results in some reduction in size, whereas stable rest may result in accumulation of fluid and greater swelling. However, repeated work on hard ground can lead to an increase in the size of the windgall.
Usually these swellings are similar in size between pairs of limbs, and symmetrical swellings are normally no cause for concern, provided they are cool to touch and not painful – and most importantly, readily compressible, with the fluid being movable between different outpouchings of the tendon sheath. For example, if the top part of the tendon sheath is compressed by finger pressure, then increased bulging will be seen on the back of the pastern.
Esta historia es de la edición July 27, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 27, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar

Super Sonic steps up
Oakley Nash lands a 128cm double with \"wild\" project pony and a determined 138cm rider is in flying form

Townend takes two
A familiar face and a potential future star triumph for Oliver Townend, as the eventing season gets under way

Last-minute dash ends in triumph
A change of plan leads to victory and a home-bred star proves that talent runs in the family

William's the Lad
It's back-to-back victories in the hunt race he sponsors for a delighted – and generous – William Fox Grant

Saving Britain's in-hand show tradition
Kim Wilson investigates how Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain is tackling the decline of in-hand classes and working to secure the future of youngstock

'This unspoilt hunting heaven
A visit by the RS Surtees Society to Northumberland provides a showcase for the Percy hounds and their hunting country

Local hero is all heart
A Borders team lifts Scotland's richest hurdle for the second year with a gutsy six-year-old and a £1,000 purchase richly rewards a patient owner

Access all areas Gavin Cromwell
The former farrier is sending his strongest team of Cheltenham Festival runners yet. Jennifer Donald meets the team behind a remarkable success story

Saffron Cresswell
The young event rider, who suffered a serious spinal injury in a fall last year, talks to Pippa Roome about her journey so far and what the future holds

Daphne
This contrary mare may spin like a top and be uncatchable in the summer, but she's \"terrifyingly brave\" and absolutely brilliant in the hunting field