Mallanders, a horse condition, is a word that has a peculiar spelling. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈmæləndəz/. The letter "ll" in mallanders indicates the pronunciation of the word "l" two times, making the syllable to sound longer. The letter "a" in the beginning of the word has a short vowel sound while the letter "e" after the first "l" is silent, and the second "l" has an elongated sound in the word. The last "s" is pronounced as a "z" sound, and the syllable stress comes on the second syllable.
Mallanders, also known as mallenders, refers to a dermatological condition that primarily affects horses. It is characterized by the presence of scaly, crusty, and inflamed skin lesions on the front part of the lower limb, specifically on the front aspect of the carpus joint (knee) in horses and occasionally on the hock (tarsal joint). The condition is caused by a chronic inflammatory response in the skin, usually resulting from repeated rubbing, chafing, or irritation in that particular area.
The primary symptoms of mallanders include the development of thickened, scaly and sometimes itchy skin lesions on the knee or hock, which may also feel warm and tender to the touch. In severe cases, the skin can become ulcerated and may have oozing or crusted discharge. Additionally, horses may experience pain, lameness, and reluctance to move due to the discomfort caused by the condition.
The underlying causes of mallanders are varied and can include poor hygiene, accumulation of dirt or debris, improper grooming, excessive moisture, insect bites, allergies, or underlying systemic conditions. Treatment typically involves regular cleaning and drying of the affected area, regular application of appropriate topical medications or creams to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, and addressing any underlying causes. In some cases, veterinary intervention may be necessary to manage complications or prescribe appropriate medications.
Timely and appropriate management of mallanders is essential to prevent worsening of symptoms and complications. Proper hygiene, regular cleaning, and grooming practices, as well as providing clean and suitable living conditions for horses, can contribute to the prevention of mallanders.
The word "mallanders" has a rather obscure etymology. It is believed to derive from Middle English, where "malander" referred to a disease in horses known as "health or royal malanders". The term was used in reference to a specific skin disorder affecting the fetlock joint, causing scaly or cracked skin.
The exact origin of the word is uncertain. It is thought to have possibly come from Old French, as "mal" means "bad" or "evil" in French, possibly reflecting the unpleasant nature of the disease. It could also have been influenced by other Old English or Germanic languages. However, due to its specialized usage in relation to horse diseases, the etymology remains somewhat speculative and uncertain.