THE HORSE IN SICKNESS AND DISEASE 437 



and back of the fetlock joint ; the other on each side of the 

 flexor tendons. The former communicates with the fetlock 

 joint itself; the latter, which are larger and more frequent 

 than the others, with the sheath of the flexor tendons. 

 Thus connected, there must be considerable danger in 

 opening them. Wind-galls are, therefore, neither more nor 

 less than a distension of the synovial bags with synovia, 

 and sometimes an extension of these bags by a rupture of 

 their connections. 



Blaine says : " In the treatment of wind-galls we must 

 attend to three particulars : the removal of any diseased 

 alteration they may have occasioned in the neighbouring 

 parts ; the removal of their own distension ; and the 

 prevention of its recurrence. Stimulating applications are 

 the most likely to produce a removal of any coagulating 

 deposit ; these are likewise still more proper, t.3 they will 

 tend to effect a removal of the contents of the wind-gall 

 itself. The * liquid blister ' will be very proper for this 

 purpose. But simply to promote absorption of the contents 

 of the wind-gall, continued pressure will be found the most 

 convenient and efficacious remedy. A calico or a flannel 

 roller may be prepared, of two, three, or four yards long, 

 according to the part affected ; four inches is a proper width, 

 and, from its superior elasticity, flannel is preferable to 

 calico or linen. In addition to this, be furnished with one 

 or two pads, stuffed with horse-hair or other elastic matter. 

 Begin to apply the roller, and after having made a turn or 

 two below the swelling, place the pad exactly upon the 

 wind-gall — if in the pasterns, one should, of course, be placed 

 over each side — continue the roller firmly and evenly over 

 all, and fasten off*. It, however, must not be forgotten that 

 but little benetit can be expected unless this be continued 

 as a constant application for a considerable time, during 

 day and night, when not in exercise; also, it must be 

 remembered, that upon a repetition of the original cause 

 (hard work), they are apt to return, the dilated capsule 

 seldom regaining, with its original size, its original strength. 

 It may be necessary here to warn the practitioner never to 

 puncture a wind-gall. Most of those of great bulk and long 

 continuance actually communicate with the cavity of the 

 joints they surround, and the others of themselves excite 

 similar effects with open joints, when they are laid open ; 

 and even if no mischief followed, no good could result. The 



