Ok, I realize this is not the most exciting question, but it does “haunt” me at times. My 18 hh Hanoverian has windpuffs on his hind fetlocks, quite large ones. So far they have not caused any issues other than getting bigger when humidity increases, at which time he also “stocks-up” more on his hind legs. I’m supplementing him with Glanzen, SmartFlex Repair, Devil’s Claw and Garlic. After a work out I ice his hind legs as well. Is there anything else I should be doing to keep those windpuffs “in check”?Your input is much appreciated. PF, Arizona
Dear PF,
That’s okay, questions don’t have to be exciting to get answered. In fact, sometimes the more common they are the better!
It doesn’t surprise me that an 18 hand horse has windpuffs. “Normal”-sized horses that go into training or that have slightly imperfect conformation can develop these cosmetic blemishes so a big guy like yours hardly stands a chance!
The first rule: do no harm. Remember that windpuffs are harmless fluid swellings of the tendon sheath or joint capsule of the fetlock (ankle) that are not associated with heat, pain or lameness. If your horse has these symptoms, then something else is going on and you need to contact your veterinarian. But if all you’re dealing with is a distended joint or tendon sac, then I would stay conservative in my management. I’ve seen treatments such as drainings and injections cause more harm than good. Basically, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
I think you’ve made smart supplement choices: Glanzen for hoof and coat health, SmartFlex Repair for joint and soft tissue health, Devil’s Claw for inflammation (and pain) and Garlic. Glanzen is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids from flax seed, but you could experiment with omega 3s from fish oil to see if you get any more of an anti-inflammatory response.
Icing or cold hosing after a workout sounds like a good practice. Bandaging will usually tighten up the legs, too. Have you experimented with topical products? Test a small area first to make sure your horse doesn’t react, then see if there are any poultices, liniments, or other topicals that help reduce the swelling.
Unfortunately, all of these treatments temporarily shrink the puffiness, at best. Probably the best thing you can do for windpuffs long-term is turn your horse out for as long as possible. Standing in a stall will definitely cause fluid to pool in his extremities, leading to “stocking up” and enlarged windpuffs. But if he can spend all day (and all night!) walking around, a lot of that extra fluid will move back into the circulation. Bottom line: don’t stress too much about it—your horse isn’t!
Thanks for posting this!
I have had my Morgan on MSM for almost a year now. The windpuffs are still really concerning. Is there anything else I can do?
My mare has windpuffs on her right knee for about two weeks. Should I worry because it’s her knee?
Hi Wayne,
Swellings on or near a knee would not be considered windpuffs and therefore should be examined by a veterinarian. The term “windpuffs” is generally used to describe harmless, puffy areas just above the ankles or fetlocks. – Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director
thank you for this excellent article! My horse developed windpuffs on all 4 legs. he is sound confirmed with the veterinarian. he actually is a beautiful mover! the windpuffs got worse when I went to 4 big A rated shows for a week at a time. He is used to having lots of turnout! From advice from your article, I am not going to try to do any non conservative treatment unless I see lamemness because I think you are correct that it could aggravate things. Do you feel that anti-inflammatory products can help to shrink the fluid a bit even if it does not take it all away. Things like Adequan, Pentosan or Legends. What about a product with Devil’s Claw and Tumeric and Yucca? Have you seen success with the feed thru products? What about DMSO or poultice? can you combine DMSO with something else like a bit of bute to bring it into the puff? does footcare affect the windpuffs? the horse in question is a big horse! but he has not been pounded ever! and so I am a bit disappointed that he developed puffs in all 4 legs!
thank you!