1. Fistulous withers and poll evil

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

6. 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.