Fractures of the withers in horses

The objective was to determine the prognostic features and long-term outcome of withers fractures in horses. Medical records and radiographs of 14 horses with withers fractures from 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed. Case details, presentation, clinical signs, radiographs, treatment and outcome were assessed. In all cases, withers fractures were found to occur following a fall on the back. Although horses were often presented with severe acute clinical signs, the long-term prognosis was good, in the absence of neurological signs, and following extended conservative management (an approximate 6 month rest period).