Poll Evil & Fistulous Withers: Causes, Signs, Treatment & Prevention
These two troublemakers start as swelling from trauma or friction, then escalate when bacteria get involved. Early action—plus tight hygiene and tack fit—can keep a sore bursa from turning into a chronic, draining fistula.
What They Are & How They Start
Poll evil affects the bursa over the poll (just behind the ears). Fistulous withers involves the bursae over the top of the shoulders. Both can begin with blunt trauma, friction from ill-fitting tack, low doorframes, rough handling, or even insect bites. The irritated bursa can swell; if bacteria enter, an abscess may form. Without prompt care, infection can burrow deeper, forming a fistula that drains chronically and weakens surrounding tissues.
Early Signs & When to Call the Vet
- Heat, swelling, and tenderness over the poll or withers
- Reluctance to lower/raise the head; ear or bridle shyness
- Stiffness under saddle; pinned ears when grooming the withers
- Development of soft swelling → painful abscess → possible drainage
- Fever or lethargy in more advanced infections
Treatment & Wound Care
Veterinary care is essential. Treatment often includes drainage and flushing of abscesses, antibiotic therapy based on culture when possible, and surgical debridement in severe or chronic cases. Pain control and fly management are critical.
Comfort steps alongside vet care
- Stable management: Quiet stall rest; protect from bumping low headers or walls. Use a padded halter and handle gently.
- Cool compresses: Apply near the swollen area to reduce heat—avoid direct pressure on any open or fluctuant spot.
- Targeted muscle relief: On clean, intact skin around sore areas (poll or withers), owners use Draw It Out® 16oz Gel for stay-put comfort. For broader soreness, consider Draw It Out® Concentrate as directed.
- Skin comfort around drainage: Keep at least 1 inch away from any open tract. On clean, intact skin, apply Rapid Relief Restorative Cream for smooth, non-greasy comfort. For supportive care per label and vet guidance, see RESTOREaHORSE® Liqui-Gel Salve.
- Daily cleaning to deter fly strike: Gently cleanse per your vet’s instructions; keep hair clipped only if directed. Use fresh, clean wraps if prescribed.
Important: Do not inject or insert any product into a draining tract. Wear gloves; avoid contact with exudate. Follow your veterinarian’s directions for flushing, bandaging, antibiotics, and rechecks.
Hygiene & Environmental Management
- Surface hygiene: Clean stalls, mats, aisles, feeders, and trailers with SuperClean™ to reduce organic load and urine contamination. Keep bedding dry and changed frequently.
- Insect control: Use Citraquin® Environmental Defense Spray to cut fly pressure that irritates lesions and can spread bacteria.
- Tack & equipment: Disinfect and dry pads, girths, bridles; replace worn gear that rubs. Store tack off dusty floors.
- Biosecurity: Gloves on; bag and discard soiled dressings; clean buckets and tools after use. Follow vet guidance—some bacteria are zoonotic.
Prevention & Aftercare
- Fit matters: Check bridle and crownpiece fit at the poll and saddle tree/withers clearance (two-finger rule as a start).
- Pad & protect: Use wither pads, padded halters, and soft headgear during recovery; remove or pad low doorframes and sharp edges.
- Groom for skin health: Keep hair and skin clean with ShowBarn Secret® grooming; products are gentle enough for frequent use when rinsed thoroughly.
- Graduated return to work: Reintroduce exercise slowly after veterinary clearance; monitor daily for residual heat, swelling, or drainage.
- Recheck plan: Schedule reassessment if swelling persists, drainage recurs, or the horse remains sensitive to touch.
Quick FAQs
Can poll evil or fistulous withers resolve without drainage?
Some early, non-infected swellings may settle with rest and protection, but once abscessed, veterinary drainage and flushing are commonly needed.
Is Brucella abortus still a concern?
It’s historically implicated; regional risk varies. Your veterinarian may recommend specific tests and biosecurity steps based on local guidance.
Should I ride a horse with a swollen poll or withers?
No—pressure can worsen the condition. Rest, protect the area, and follow your veterinarian’s plan.
How do I keep flies off the area?
Maintain stall and aisle hygiene, remove soiled bedding promptly, and use Citraquin® as part of your fly-control program.
Draw It Out® 16oz Gel
Stay-put comfort on clean, intact skin around sore poll or withers.
Draw It Out® Concentrate
Broader coverage for larger sore areas—use as directed on label.
Rapid Relief Restorative Cream
Smooth, non-greasy comfort on clean, intact skin adjacent to drains.
RESTOREaHORSE® Liqui-Gel Salve
Supportive care per label and vet guidance during skin recovery.
SuperClean™
Reduce organic load in stalls, aisles, and trailers to support healing.
Citraquin® Environmental Defense Spray
Helps cut fly pressure that irritates lesions and spreads bacteria.
