What does the term "windpuffs" refer to?

Windpuffs refer specifically to swellings that occur around the fetlock joint in horses. These swellings are typically caused by the accumulation of fluid in the superficial digital flexor tendon sheath or in the tissues around the fetlock. They are often not painful and can be seen in both active horses and those at rest.

The presence of windpuffs can be more common in horses that are in heavy work, as the repetitive motion and pressure on the fetlock joint can lead to stress on the area. They can also occur in older horses due to the natural aging process. While windpuffs themselves are not necessarily a sign of a serious issue, they may indicate that the horse has been subjected to continuous strain or that some underlying condition may need to be monitored.

The other options refer to different equine health issues. For instance, abnormal breathing conditions do not relate to the physical swelling around the joints, excessive sweating points to a different physiological reaction in horses, and weakness in a horse's hindquarters would not have any association with the swellings seen in windpuffs. Understanding the distinction between these conditions is important for effective assessment and management in therapeutic riding programs.