Windgalls?

[Blackhawk]

My new horse came in today with a large amount of fluid on his fetlock. Bigger than a golfball. This is only on his off hind. Vet said it's probably windgalls, which I would agree with but I've never known them to be so big? Trotted him up and he seemed sound, and the fluid sac went hot and solid. Vet is coming out on Monday to give him a once over, but is atm unconcerned unless he gets worse, in which case he'll come out immediately.

He strained his deep digital flexor tendon in March but vet was happy for him to come back into work as said it wasn't a problem. I'm obviously worried about things like tenosynovitis now.

Thoughts?

 

[Hullabaloo]

My old horse had an enormous windgall - not much smaller than a tennis ball. It never seemed to bother him. Worth getting checked out though.

 

[Mbronze]

Mine has windgalls on both fetlocks on her back legs, they go down when hosed and when ridden but have never caused her pain etc...

 

[Shilasdair]

I believe that there are two main types - tendinous (sp?) and articular. The latter make the joints look puffy all round (sometimes called 'apple joints' by old codgers

) and are due to the bursae round the joints becoming enlarged, often with a touch of arthritis and wear'n'tear.
The other type, tendinous, I believe appears at the back of the joint, just above the fetlock, and can be fluid accummulation of the tendon sheath...usually just above the joint because the annular ligament prevents it swelling lower.
Don't know if this info will help you...
Oh, and obviously I'm not a vet so don't sue me if I'm lying

S