2*26 WIND-GALLS. 



but, if irritated by excessive work, the synovial sac 

 appears to bulge out at the weakest parts of the 

 confining membrane. These enlargements constitute 

 wind-galls, which rarely lame, unless they are very 

 large or start up suddenly ; being then evidently pro- 

 duced by violent action, and attended with inflamma- 

 tion. They are, however, always blemishes; and 

 generally pretty certain evidence that a horse has 

 done some heavy work. 



The mode of treatment is the same as in sprain of 

 the back sinews. When there is much heat about the 

 part, fomentations will be useful ; but the wind-gall 

 will sooner bear pressure than the sprained sinew will. 

 An indian rubber bandage confining pieces of cork 

 which rest upon lint placed over the wind-galls should 

 be applied, and if the lint previous to its use is tho- 

 roughly wetted it will be of greater service. 



If the wind-galls will not yield to this, a portion of 

 the iodide of lead ointment, recommended to be used 

 in the previous article, may be daily rubbed over the 

 enlarged sacs. This keeps a constant stimulus upon 

 the part ; not sufficient to blister or to cause lameness, 

 but enough to rouse the absorbents to more powerful 

 action. Should, however, any soreness be induced, 

 the ointment must be omitted for two, three, four 

 days, or longer, till all irritation has disappeared. 



The wind-galls, how r ever, are not so difficult to 

 remove as to prevent returning upon the slightest 

 work. For this reason these enlargements in all 

 horses kept for actual service, not for show, had 

 better be let alone unless they occasion deformity or 

 produce lameness ; as the proprietor will thus spare 



