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
Saddle Sores
Summary
Saddle sores occur when focal pressure develops in an area from an ill-fitting saddle that damages skin and tissue resulting in hair loss, abrasion, or a full thickness skin wound.
Treatment requires rest to allow healing. Prevent re-injury with the use of a proper fitting saddle. In cases where a horse must stay in work under saddle, sometimes holes be cut in the saddle pad to protect the area.
Occasionally, infections of the withers can occur secondary to saddle induced trauma. These can be confused with fistulous withers, a potentially contagious disease.
Treatment requires rest to allow healing. Prevent re-injury with the use of a proper fitting saddle. In cases where a horse must stay in work under saddle, sometimes holes be cut in the saddle pad to protect the area.
Occasionally, infections of the withers can occur secondary to saddle induced trauma. These can be confused with fistulous withers, a potentially contagious disease.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Less Common
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is good if the problem is corrected and saddle fit is remedied.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Less Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health