Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mare with back pain and hind leg issues due to abscess
By Ceriotti, Serena et al.·Published in Journal of equine veterinary science·2025·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Fistulous withers causing spinal epidural abscess in a Thoroughbred mare.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare developed severe hindlimb weakness and coordination problems due to a spinal epidural abscess caused by a chronic infection known as fistulous withers. Initially, she was treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, but her condition worsened despite aggressive treatment. Diagnostic imaging showed vertebral fractures and an abscess, but unfortunately, her neurological symptoms continued to decline, leading to euthanasia. This case highlights the need for early diagnosis and intervention in horses with chronic infections to improve outcomes.
People also search for: horse hindlimb weakness treatment · Thoroughbred mare spinal abscess · fistulous withers in horses
Abstract
This case describes a 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare with fistulous withers that progressed to vertebral osteomyelitis and spinal epidural abscess (SEA), a severe complication that has yet to be reported. Initially treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, the mare developed acute hindlimb ataxia and spastic paresis, suggesting spinal cord compression at T3-L3. Diagnostic imaging revealed vertebral fractures and abscessation, but vertebral canal involvement could not be confirmed. Despite aggressive medical therapy, including antimicrobials, corticosteroids, and neuroprotective agents, the mare's neurological condition deteriorated, leading to euthanasia. Post-mortem findings confirmed an extensive paraspinal abscess that had extended into the epidural space, causing severe spinal cord compression. The isolated pathogen, Escherichia coli, is commonly associated with chronic fistulous withers. This case underscores the importance of considering SEA as a diagnostic differential in horses with chronic paraspinal infections that develop acute neurological decline. Due to diagnostic and treatment limitations in equine medicine, prognosis remains guarded, with early surgical intervention and targeted antimicrobial therapy likely being crucial for better outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40889728/