Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fistulous withers in horses: 14 cases (1978-1987).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1988
- Authors:
- Gaughan, E M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Between 1978 and 1987, 14 horses were brought to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine because they had a condition called fistulous withers, which involves swelling and infection in the area over the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades). Out of these horses, 11 underwent surgery to remove the damaged tissue and parts of the affected vertebrae, while 3 did not receive any treatment. Unfortunately, about 30% of the horses that had surgery experienced a return of the problem and needed more surgery to fix it.
Abstract
Over an 8-year period, 14 horses were admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine for evaluation of fistulous withers. Of the 14 horses, 11 were treated surgically and 3 were not treated. Surgical techniques involved radical excision of the affected soft tissue and spinous processes of affected vertebrae. Recurrence rate was 30%, and these horses required additional surgery to resolve the problem.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3192481/