What is a horse windgall?

Answer 1

A horse windgall refers to a soft, fluid-filled swelling that develops around the fetlock joint or tendons in a horse's lower leg. It's typically not painful and often doesn't cause lameness or discomfort for the horse. Windgalls can be caused by strain or stress on the tendons and are more commonly found in horses that perform rigorous activities or are involved in intense physical training. While they might not affect the horse's soundness, if they become excessively large or cause discomfort, a veterinarian might recommend treatment or management strategies.

Answer 2

Windgalls are caused by a build-up of normal fluid within the joint space. Many horses have windgalls and they are not usually considered a problem, but it does sound as if your horse's windgall is abnormally swollen. This just means that there is more fluid in the joint than is normal. The problem is identifying why he has all this excess fluid and what is best to do about it. Windgalls are caused by minor damage to the joint and more often develop to heavier horses with more upright conformation. They may swell up more after work or be present all the time. I would not normally advise draining fluid in windgalls because, as soon as it is drained, the joint produces more to fill the space that is left. The best approach is to tackle the root cause which is some type of malfunction within the joint. You should consider having X-rays taken and a thorough examination made. It is likely that the tissue which produces the joint fluid is not working properly or that there is some form of irritation or damage within the joint. Mild damage or malfunction may not necessarily cause pain or lameness. As well as a conventional approach to such problems, I would advise using an alternative supplement which is designed to improve the way joints lubricate themselves. They help cartilage, membranes, blood vessels, ligaments and bone to function normally. I suggest you give a supplement containing Sulphur , and a good mineral/vitamin supplement with high levels of antioxidants and use herbal formulas designed to normalise joint function and improve nutrition to cartilage. If you start on a sensible supplementation regime and get your vet to conduct a very thorough examination, you may find this starts to reduce the swelling or at least prevents it getting any larger in the future.