Fistulous Withers

Fistulous Withers may appear to occur with a sudden swelling which bursts and discharges pus, but, the onset may have been quite insidious without any noticeable heat or swelling. Fistulas are narrow mouthed ulcers or abscesses that can can run a long way under the skin like pipes. The most frequent cause is damage done by a badly fitting saddle or too tightly fitting rugs or saddle cloths. However, it is not safe to assume that this is the cause, as fistulous withers and poll evil (thought to be caused by a rubbing nylon headcollar) may be signs of equine brucellosis, and veterinary advice should always be obtained. The bacteria that causes this condition can be transmitted to humans and to cattle. In horses it causes late abortions.

Once assured that it is safe to do so, localised swellings can be treated by bathing four times a day for periods of 10 mins with hot water (just hot enough for the hand to bear). If there is an infection present the Vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics. If thought of as deep seated abscesses that erupt at the surface through long tubes, it is easy to understand that the root of a problem appearing at the wither may, in fact, be found lying deep within the shoulder. Because the aid of gravity cannot be enlisted to drain the abscess in these cases, it can be difficult to effect a cure.