Windgalls

[Derfette]

I have a 14.3 arab gelding who is 19. After a long winter break, I'm now bringing him back into work. He's had windgalls on his back legs for a while now, but after lungeing yesterday, I've noticed these windgalls are a fair bit larger this morning. He wears boots all around and is lunged on a wood chip surface. I'm wondering now, would it be better if I lunged him with bandages or boots? Any advice on this would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Broodle]

I'm no expert, but I don't believe that either boots or bandages will make any difference to his windgalls. A windgall is simply a build up of fluid in the tendon sheath - it might indicate previous wear and tear or some weakness in the tendon itself, but neither boots nor bandages can do anything to prevent tendon injury (other than from strike injuries to front tendons, clearly) imo.

I had a horse with windgalls which continually changed size. They were big in the morning after standing in the stable all night, and they got smaller after exercise.

Not sure if the above will help, but do talk to your vet (on the phone, or next time he/she is out) if you are at all concerned.