Sore flaky scab on withers

[sanjo]

Has anyone had experience of a sore scab, potentially from a heavy winter turnout rug? Scab wasn’t visible at first but horse was extremely sensitive and tetchy about being touched on the withers. Couldn’t be ridden. After scanning, scab appeared and looks sore and flaky so removed rugs. Has been on bute for a week but no change. Also been xrayed and nothing visible. Perhaps too early for any healing. Anyone had similar?

 

[Havital]

My mare had similar but from what I can see from your photo hers was deeper. She got it from having to wear a snuggy hood for near enough a month to cover a very bad wound on her neck. The snuggy hood rubbed her right on her withers and a good chunk of dead layers of skin come off her. Luckily it wasn’t cold so she didn’t need to be rugged but I think keeping it clean the whole time really helped the healing process. I too couldn’t ride as she was just so sore around that area so we did in hand walks instead. I know it isn’t much help but it’ll heal in it’s own time. I’ll see if I have a photo of it.

 

[ycbm]

I don't think it's uncommon. You can buy a padded bib which will prevent the rug from touching that spot while it heals, or sew "bumpers" into the rug so it creates a channel at the wither.
.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Be careful it doesn't turn fistulous.
Try and keep rugs off if you can, pad up either side by sewing firm sponges into a vest so the skin can heal x

 

[Equi]

Does your rug have that fleecy bit at the front of it?

 

[sanjo]

Does your rug have that fleecy bit at the front of it?

It did but the weight of it plus was probs too hot has created this issue x

 

[Equi]

My first thought was it has gotten wet then warm, that fleece won't dry out fast so is just wet sitting there. Perfect for a bad skin reaction/rainscald type thing. My littles get it a fair bit coming out of winter because their coats are just too dense to dry out properly...hence why they get the chop. I personally hate those fleece parts on a rug, i try not to by any with it unless its exclusively a stable rug.

 

[ihatework]

You need to keep rug weight off the area and some air flow if possible. I managed to heal up the fistulous wither of a horse I had purchased using the back part of a rear riser cut off and attached to a satin shoulder guard.