Spot under saddle

[Sossigpoker]

My cob has what looks like a spot under the saddle area , only I has no head and is under the skin as is coveted by hair. It's probably half the size of a pea. He doesn't react to it unless I really poke at it but he's sensitive skinned in general.
I washed with Hibiscrub yesterday and put some antibiotic dermatitis cream on it (a vet's own cream that contains a steroid and antibiotic, a miracle cure for mud fever).
Just wondering if this might be a blocked follicle or something and how common those are?
I wash his numnah and rugs regularly.

Thanks for any ideas!

 

[Red-1]

They are quite common, my last horse popped a few up. They are usually safe to leave and don't cause bother, but I had them removed surgically as she was grey and I wanted to make sure they were no melanomas. The biopsy said not, so any more I would have either left or treated with a steroid injection, which usually clears them.

I do think they are more common in tack that isn't an optimal fit though. Mine came up when the saddle did 'fit' and she was comfortable, but it was no longer an optimal fit as she had put muscle on.

 

[Sossigpoker]

They are quite common, my last horse popped a few up. They are usually safe to leave and don't cause bother, but I had them removed surgically as she was grey and I wanted to make sure they were no melanomas. The biopsy said not, so any more I would have either left or treated with a steroid injection, which usually clears them.

I do think they are more common in tack that isn't an optimal fit though. Mine came up when the saddle did 'fit' and she was comfortable, but it was no longer an optimal fit as she had put muscle on.

Thanks I'm having to use a Prolite as saddle needs adjusting but can't get a saddler out currently because of covid.

 

[sbloom]

Thanks I'm having to use a Prolite as saddle needs adjusting but can't get a saddler out currently because of covid.

A sheepskin may be a better bet, spreads pressure ie relieves the pressure over the spot, which Prolite won't do. Would your saddle fitter do a remote consultation from good photos (ask them what they'd need)?

 

[Sossigpoker]

A sheepskin may be a better bet, spreads pressure ie relieves the pressure over the spot, which Prolite won't do. Would your saddle fitter do a remote consultation from good photos (ask them what they'd need)?

I need the Prolite to lift the saddle at the back unfortunately. I'm now trying saddlers further away to see I one would come out as my usual guy not only wont cone out but has been a bit funny to get in touch with in general.
Just getting a decent one to even get back to you is a struggle!

 

[sbloom]

I need the Prolite to lift the saddle at the back unfortunately. I'm now trying saddlers further away to see I one would come out as my usual guy not only wont cone out but has been a bit funny to get in touch with in general.
Just getting a decent one to even get back to you is a struggle!

It is difficult at the moment with Covid, and I know I struggle to keep on top of the few enquiries and requests for remote checks etc because my routine isn't normal at the moment, but it must be annoying, I hope he can help remotely. I'm really uncomfortable about fitters being out working but that's purely personal and I know how frustrating it must be for owners.

I use and recommend Mattes shim pads, sheepskin against the horse and four shim pockets with brilliant trimmable shims. The Prolite is a very blunt instrument, it's clearly working for you to balance the saddle, and many fitters use them, but I can't imagine it's helping. Don't panic, these lumps are seldom serious, but they can get angry.

 

[ycbm]

If you are using a back riser shim, is the edge of the shim tapered or does it just "end"? And is the spot anywhere near where it ends? If so, it could be that. One of my pet hates is shims that don’t have tapered edges to gradually change the line without creating sudden pressure changes at the edge.

 

[sbloom]

If you are using a back riser shim, is the edge of the shim tapered or does it just "end"? And is the spot anywhere near where it ends? If so, it could be that. One of my pet hates is shims that don’t have tapered edges to gradually change the line without creating sudden pressure changes at the edge.

Exactly, it's why I like trimmable shims, but lots of fitters seem to use them to great effect. Personally they're not for me, I find too many pressure and pivot points created by them. If they don't cause a ridge then a rectangular edge foam shim is likely to be to compressible to really be doing a lot.

 

[Sossigpoker]

If you are using a back riser shim, is the edge of the shim tapered or does it just "end"? And is the spot anywhere near where it ends? If so, it could be that. One of my pet hates is shims that don’t have tapered edges to gradually change the line without creating sudden pressure changes at the edge.

Hadn't thought of that, thanks, I'll check tomorrow.
The spot seems to be getting flatter and less pronounced with the dermatitis cream so hopefully it's on its way out.

 

[Gloi]

Collagen necrosis that we used to call a sitfast. The centre may come out eventually and leave a little hole which will heal and may leave a white mark. If your saddle pad stays in the same position you may be able to cut a hole in it to take any pressure off the spot.

 

[Sossigpoker]

No it's nowhere near the edge of the Prolite shim. And it's getting smaller and he no longer reacts to me poking at it so I'm thinking it's just a spot or a blocked follicle and is now healing .
Thanks everyone.