Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Fracture of Withers
Synonyms: Fracture of the Thoracic Spinous Processes
Summary
Fractured withers usually occurs when a horse rears over backwards and falls directly onto its back and withers. In most cases, swelling will be obvious and the withers appear flattened soon after the injury.
Radiographs confirm the diagnosis, and show the fractured tips of the spines of the vertebrae. Ultrasound can add helpful information to this diagnosis.
Treatment is usually long term rest. Horses are usually not ridden for several months following the accident. Most horses can return to their prior level of work when they are fully healed.
Radiographs confirm the diagnosis, and show the fractured tips of the spines of the vertebrae. Ultrasound can add helpful information to this diagnosis.
Treatment is usually long term rest. Horses are usually not ridden for several months following the accident. Most horses can return to their prior level of work when they are fully healed.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Fair to good, but requires 3-6 months of healing time. The prognosis is worse if the fracture is accompanied by an open wound.Infection tends to be a problem. Some traumatic injuries to the withers will develop abscesses and infection of the underlying bone.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common