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Please Reply to: Bruce Weary bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Okay, I'm not a veterinarian, but I did stay at a Holiday
Inn Express last night.;) Wind puffs are a distension in or around
the fetlock joint,usually as a result of hard work or direct
trauma. Joints are lined with a synovial membrane that produces
synovial fluid, which keeps the joint lubricated and allows for
the exchange of nutrients to the tissues of the joint. When the
joint is traumatized or overused, a synovitis can occur, and the
synovial membrane produces too much fluid as an exaggerated
component of the inflammatory process. The fluid is produced at a
faster rate than it can drain off, and thus the wind puff forms.The fluid can 
collect in the joint capsule, tendon sheath, or bursa. The synovial membrane is 
not very pain sensitive, so the horse may not be lame at all. The fluid can be 
localized to the fetlock joint, or may travel up the cannon bone. I have seen 
it occur from exercise induced injury, or from kicking a fence
or getting kicked. While the increased fluid itself doesn't do
real harm, it's an indicator that inflammation (which damages
tissue) is continuing and should be stopped.
 Treament should be conservative, including rest, cold water hosing, mild 
antiinflammatories (ask your vet) manual massage toward the heart (wear your 
helmet) and hand walking until
all fluid and local tenderness are gone. A gradual return
to work while watching closely for any return of the fluid will
help ensure recovery without exacerbation.
As my mentor taught me, "Every patient is entitled to more
than one problem." Obviously, if lameness persists, or progress
is unsatisfactory, call the vet. There could be chip fractures,
capsulitis, bursitis and all kinds of other things going on
that could complicate your horses recovery. Remember, God made
veterinarians as a reminder that we all make too much money.:)
 See you all at convention.    Bruce Weary, D.C.


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