[DinahC]

Hi Doc T. Question for your ask anything evening….. Can i ask you to please share your knowledge on windgalls or wind puffs, as some know them. They are clearly an indication that something is taking strain somewhere in the body. This is especially the case with horses who get them when they not even in hard work. Apart from what might be taking strain, what is your preferred method of treatment.

Thank You

Sadly I won’t be able to join you in person.

[Doc-t]

Oh GOSH! We were so concerned about the technical issues in getting this off the ground (while also traveling into a major winter storm here in the US) that I completely missed this question! Please accept my apology!

Wind puffs are an indicator that a strain has occurred to a joint. This is usually the fetlocks but it is also common in the hocks (where they are called a bog). The result of this strain is an increase in joint fluid that distends the joint capsule in a firm, fluid filled bulge around the joint. It is non-painful and usually does not cause lameness even with a flexion test.

Because these are sterile and non-painful, I avoid entering them with a needle to drain. If in the draining process the joint becomes contaminated, sepsis (infection) of the joint will occur which may lead to a permanent lameness.

Distinction of a tendon sheath looks similar but is not related to the joint. The name for the hind flexor tendon sheas the swelling is a “thoroughpin” while of the front flexor tendon there is no name. However, it is often confused with a wind puff of the fetlock joint. To determine which is which, careful palpation is needed. A wind puff is above the joint and between the cannon and flexor tendons. A distended flexor sheath is in front of and behind the tendons and rises higher than a distended joint capsule.

Please remind me of this question for the next AMA. Also, what are your thoughts in having a different time for you members on the other side of the planet? 7am my time? I could do that.

[Kerry]

Thanks @Doc-t A 7am session your time would be great for me in the UK if it suits everyone else 😁

[DinahC]

Thanks for replying here and nk stress that it didn’t make it into the AMA. Appreciate your explanation.

And yes… A 7h00 slot on your side definitely would suit me my side. Thank you. But hope there aren’t many other members who now can’t make the live chat.