Fistulous withers and poll evil

Definition•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.

Etiology•The main causes of Fistulous Withers are•Infection - mainly through the organism

Brucella Abortus found near cattle•Parasites•Trauma to the area•Ill-fitting saddles•Overwork,•Overloading•Badly balanced loads

Clinical signs• Some of the following symptoms will indicate

the presence of fistulous withers.•  • Swelling of the withers• Heat in the withers• Holes and tracts in the withers• Drainage in the form of a yellow/clear ooze• Signs of fever and pain• Sinus infection type symptoms• Harness sores• Hair loss

Treatment•The most successful treatment is

complete dissection and removal of the infected bursa  together with antibiotics such as clofazimine or oxytetracycline, which are particularly effective against Brucella organisms, is the most treatment for fistulous withers.