Windgalls

[Grumpy Herbert]

My 15 year old mare has developed windgalls recently. She is out on loan and I suspect my loaner might be overdoing things a bit. I've had the mare 12 years and she's never had them before. I don't know a great deal about causes and treatments, so would appreciate your views!

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I think windgalls are joint fluid squeezed out and forming little squishy pockets. Indicative of joint problems but not always huge ones I think. Depends on other symptoms, age, etc. Is your girlie lame or short striding? Do the lumps come and go?I'd get the vet to have a look if at all worried. x

 

[PapaFrita]

I'd be rather surprised at a horse of 15 NOT having windgalls to be honest!

At her age it might not be indicative at all of loaner overdoing things, just a sign of her age.
Antifaz is not quite 8 and has HUMUNGOUS windgalls and has never had a lame second since I've known him.
They go down after a period of rest and pop back up when he works again. I think bandaging the legs might help too.

 

[angiebaby]

Mine never had them utill he became lame 3 months ago, unless she's lame I wouldn't worry too much, but tell her to take it easy on hard ground.

 

[Grumpy Herbert]

Thanks guys! I did wonder if age was catching up with her. My only real experience with aged horses was with my old pony, whose legs were awful anyway. Hers have always been so clean. Will keep an eye on them.

 

[HenryandPeta]

Merck says:

These puffy, fluid-filled swellings around the fetlock joints (of either or both fore- and hindlimbs) usually are not accompanied by heat, pain, or lameness. They are said to be associated with trauma and hard exercise, but the exact pathogenesis is uncertain. Although usually benign, windgalls should be regarded with suspicion in the presence of lameness. Some horses, particularly heavy ones, seem to be more susceptible. Treatment is problematic; in the absence of lameness, it is unwarranted. Windgalls may disappear spontaneously or respond to periods of rest, bandaging, and exercise. Recurrence is common.

My old mare had several on her legs and she was ridden until the age of 33! never seemed to effect her, just looked strange.

 

[Grumpy Herbert]

Thanks, Henry1997! Have been reading my vet books too, but they conflict sometimes and it's good to hear from people with experience of the problem.

Love your horse, by the way!