Definition

Noun: * A chronic inflammation of the withers of a horse: This is a specific veterinary medical condition affecting horses. It is characterized by a long-lasting, infected swelling or abscess formation in the area of the withers (the ridge between the shoulder bones). The term "fistulous" indicates the presence of a fistula, which is an abnormal, tube-like passage from the infection to the skin surface.

Usage

• This term is highly specialized and used almost exclusively in veterinary medicine, particularly in contexts involving equine health and care.
• It is a technical, compound noun naming a specific disease.

Examples

• The veterinarian diagnosed the draft horse with fistulous withers after noticing persistent drainage from its back.
• Treatment for fistulous withers often involves antibiotics and surgical drainage of the abscess.

Advanced Usage

• The condition is sometimes colloquially referred to simply as "withers fistula."
• It is often caused by bruising or trauma to the withers area, which then becomes infected with bacteria.

Variants and Related Words

• Fistula (n): An abnormal passage connecting two body cavities or leading from an internal cavity to the body surface.
• Withers (n): The highest part of a horse's back, located at the base of the neck and between the shoulder blades.
• Poll evil: A similar chronic inflammatory condition affecting the poll (top of the head) of a horse.

Synonyms

• Withers fistula
• Fistula of the withers

Noun

1. a chronic inflammation of the withers of a horse