Articular windgall - thoughts please

[MJN72]

My 5yo ISH has a bit of puffiness in one of his front legs, which I believe is an articular windgall. He has been checked by a vet and they believe the same... not in any way lame but on the odd occasion there has been a small amount of heat. The vet x-rayed his feet to check his foot balance and although nothing major has recommended a few tweaks the farrier needs to make. He has not been in hard work, but has been in regular work, but more than likely he could have twisted the joint messing around in the field. So, I'm hoping along with the farriery, EQU Streamz magnets and me cold hosing/icing, that we may start to see some improvement.. I also want to put him on a joint supplement, just so I'm helping from all angles.. and would appreciate your advice as to what supplements you'd recommend, or any other treatment to help him please? x

 

[spacefaer]

What are you aiming to achieve?
If it is an articular windgall, then it is formed by some of the fluid within the joint, seeping out, due to wear and tear or due to injury.
The windgall is unlikely to disperse - the fluid doesn't go back into the joint.
Short term, you'll have a slightly unsightly bursal enlargement.
Longer term, you'll have a slightly increased predisposition to arthritis in that joint due to the reduction of joint fluid levels.
Keeping the feet as well balanced as possible will benefit the horse, but I'm not sure you can do much else.

 

[Goldenstar]

As above .

 

[brighteyes]

Don't inject the joint bursa unless it's a kill or cure you're after. Treat him with care.

 

[Lovely jubbly]

I had a horse a few years ago developed a soft lump on the side of his knee X-ray showed arthritic changes in the knee. Vet said not to drain it just leave it alone as didn’t want to drain off any synovial fluid and make the matter worse. He went onto cosequine joint supplement which helped with his mobility. He was 16 when diagnosed I chose to stop his competitive carrier but he was a happy hacker until he passed away at the age of 24. Pharmaquin is great stuff and they are super helpful,Boswellia is also great for joints.

 

[Lovely jubbly]

Forgot to add the lump never went down he always had it.

 

[Shooting Star]

Did they not xray the fetlock joint too? Only asking as I had the same with a unilateral articular windgall some years ago on my ISH, sound other than 1/10th for first 1-2 strides immediately after a flexion test - xrays showed bone chips in the fetlock as the cause which were then surgically removed.

 

[Lovely jubbly]

No just went straight for knee X-ray as he only showed slight lameness in the joint after flexion. If it was nowadays he would of probably gone in to the hospital and had further investigatio.
joint supplement sorted him out until he retired.

 

[LiquidMetal]

I have an OTTB with a windgall on right front (prior to purchase) and a thoroughpin on left hock from being an idiot in turnout last year. Vet has looked at both and did X-rays on hock with no findings. They told me to learn to not look at them. Keep an eye on things but not obsess as there’s not much that can be done. Advised against draining.

My horse is on 24/7 turnout which helps. Definitely fill up more if kept in stall or small paddock. I personally don’t think magnet boots or supplements will help at all. Both have shrunk due to regular treatment with PEMF machine however. I’d say my horse has been seen by bodyworker with that machine at least every 6-8 weeks over the last 1.5 years. He rarely ever focuses on those spots for long periods of time but it’s helping a lot. The Thoroughpin is less than half the size it was last year. But it did take time for results to show up. Can’t expect a miracle within a couple visits.