Articular windgalls - what are they?

[_Acolyte_]

Just got my insurance certificate etc through for Bob, and they have excluded articular windgalls on both front fetlocks, as the vetting certificate stated:

"both front fetlocks were mildly effused (articular windgalls). No pain or lameness are associated with these and they are of little clinical signficance"

Is it worth trying to appeal against the exclusion?

 

[Daisychain]

Yes i should, as your vet has stated little clinical significance.

 

[_Acolyte_]

Are windgalls simply swelling of the fetlock joint then? Sorry, should go and look it up!

Will ring the insurance company on Monday

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Got this off Global herbs website - it's a pretty good non-technical description:

"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."

I could understand why the insurance company might exclude them and tbh I wouldn't expect an appeal to be successful but worth a try!