Page 407 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 9.1 Articular windgall
CAUSES
The cause is low-grade trauma of the fetlock joint. This may be related to conformation. For
example, they are common in stocky animals with upright conformation, probably as a result
of concussion. In young or athletic horses, the appearance of articular windgalls is an
indication that that the horse’s work is traumatizing the joint.
CLINICAL SIGNS
These swellings can be seen on either side of the limb, between the back of the cannon bone
and the suspensory ligament. Applying pressure to the swelling on one side of the joint
causes the swelling on the opposite side to enlarge. They often fluctuate in size according to
the horse’s exercise regime. In some horses they are only present after a spell of heavy work,
whereas in others they are a permanent feature.
