Very 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
Nodular Necrobiosis or Eosinophilic Granuloma
Synonyms: Collagen Granuloma, Collagen Necrosis
Summary
This common condition has many complex-sounding names. It is the most common skin condition that presents as multiple small lumps and bumps and it is most common over the back and withers. These are hard, pea-sized bumps under the skin, with no hair loss in most cases.
The cause of this disease is not entirely understood. It is an inflammatory, hypersensitivity-like disease. It is more common in spring and summer and insects allergy may be involved. Because of the common location, under the saddle, and the fact that it is more common in ridden horses, it is thought that pressure from the saddle may be a factor.
Diagnosis is often made just by the typical appearance of the condition, i.e. multiple small firm bumps along the skin of the back and withers. But definitive diagnosis requires biopsy and submission to the laboratory.
Treatment is usually injection of steroids under the bumps, or surgical removal.
The cause of this disease is not entirely understood. It is an inflammatory, hypersensitivity-like disease. It is more common in spring and summer and insects allergy may be involved. Because of the common location, under the saddle, and the fact that it is more common in ridden horses, it is thought that pressure from the saddle may be a factor.
Diagnosis is often made just by the typical appearance of the condition, i.e. multiple small firm bumps along the skin of the back and withers. But definitive diagnosis requires biopsy and submission to the laboratory.
Treatment is usually injection of steroids under the bumps, or surgical removal.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is good. The nodules don't usually cause the horse much problem, although large ones can become painful under the saddle.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.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- How can we prevent this condition from recurring?
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent this condition in horses that are predisposed to developing it.
Insects should be controlled to reduce insect allergy. Ensure good saddle fit to reduce focal pressure on the skin of the back.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Related References:
Equine Dermatology, Scott, DW, Miller WH eds. Saunders:Missouri, 1st ed. 2003.