Fistulous withers in horses is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the withers, often resulting in abscesses and draining tracts.

Fistulous Withers

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Fistulous withers is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by pus-filled wounds and swelling on the horse’s withers. The swelling is called a fistula and the withers are the highest part of the horse’s back.
The main causes of Fistulous Withers are: Infection – mainly through the organism Brucella Abortus found near cattle, parasites, trauma to the area or ill-fitting saddles, overloading or badly balanced loads.

Symptoms

  • Swollen withers
  • Hot withers
  • Sensitive withers
  • Sore withers
  • Pus discharge
  • Reluctant to move
  • Fur loss
  • Stiff posture
  • Low appetite
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Lameness
  • Fever
  • Weightloss

Common in

  • Living with livestock

Treatment

The most successful treatment is complete dissection and removal of the infected bursa  together with antibiotics effective against Brucella organisms.

Prevention

Prompt attention to any injuries to the withers area will help prevent infections that cause fistulous withers. Horses should not be pastured in areas where infected cattle have been for at least three months after the cattle have been removed.
Reduce the rubbing of harnesses and saddles.

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