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It is just above the fetlock. He does not seem sore I had a friend watch him for me. I hosed him and put on a ice tight poultice. What my concern is what is the theory on these windpuffs. I notice he rests his back legs. I have had his hocks checked and I realize that I will eventually need to inject them. I just need to know about these windpuffs that come up. Is this horse trying to tell me something ??? I have not really rode this horse real hard as I knew he probably had been pressured a bit to get ready for the furturity that he was in.
Thanks so muchÊfor your time Leslie, Windpuffs are distensions of a tendon sheath, a bursa, or a joint capsule on the horse's leg. It usually is associated with the fetlock. The concern is that sometimes, when a horse develops one of these, it becomes a chronic issue, and may be maintained for the rest of the horse's life. Windpuffs usually occur in younger horses, a lot of times after strenuous work. Horses that have shorter upright pasterns are also believed to be predisposed because of the excessive concusion due to their abnormal confirmation. A windpuff is usually a soft, cool to the touch, fluid filled sac that is located just above the fetlock. If the swelling is warm to the touch, it may be that your Gelding has more of an acute problem which could be due to trauma or possibly some arthritis within the joint. A windpuff is usually considered to be more cosmetic than an actual lameness, however it does give some insight into some possible increased strain within the joint. This could be a sign to a possible problem down the road, like arthritis, tendonitis or bursitis. However, some people feel that it is a harmless swelling and does not affect work. At this time, it would be best to allow a veterinarian to examine the affected area to make sure that it truly is a windpuff and not something more serious.
Thank You, Dr. Lowder For a full listing of in-depth articles by Dr. Mike: Click here. |
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