WINDGALLS. 277 



is advisable to destroy the animal, as, if treated, the proba- 

 bility is that there will be an abnormal growth of horn or 

 hoof ; the foot becomes shapeless, and the animal rendered 

 useless. 



WINDGALLS. 



Windgalls are soft, puffy tumours, situated at the back 

 of the fetlocks. They were formerly supposed to contain 

 air, but now are known to be bursal enlargements in 

 connection with the fetlock-joint, caused by increased 

 secretion of the Huid of the burs^e in connection with 

 the flexor tendons. As a rule, windgalls are not pro- 

 ductive of any harm. Occasionally, however, a windgall 

 is found to be hard, hot, and tense, and perhaps associated 

 with lameness. In such a case it is generally connected 

 with some sesamoidean trouble or affection of the joint 

 itself. Such windgalls may also have within them a sort of 

 porcelaineous deposit, and are likely to cause trouble, and an 

 animal having them should be rejected on an examination 

 as to soundness. But windgalls, as they ordinarily occur, 

 readily give way to pressure, are not hot, and are perfectly 

 free from soreness or tenderness, and are not associated with 

 lameness. Such a windgall is not likely to ever produce 

 any bad results, and on an examination as to soundness, 

 their presence and nature may be made known and the 

 animal passed. There are bursal enlargements in connec- 

 tion with the knee, hock, etc., of exactly the same character 

 as windgall of the fetlock-joint. A slight windgall should 

 not depreciate a horse's value to any great extent. They 

 often appear very suddenly. 



Causes. — The primary cause of windgalls in most cases is 

 hard and fast w^ork, drawing heavy loads, jumping, or any 

 work in which the limbs are put to a severe test, and they are 

 especially liable to appear if the horse be young and soft. 



