A septic bursitis causing a fistulous withers is most consistent with which type of bursitis?

A septic bursitis causing a fistulous withers is most consistent with which type of bursitis?

• A. Supraspinous bursitis
• B. Infraspinous bursitis
• C. Subcutaneous bursitis
• D. Bicipital bursitis

Answer: (A)

This item tests knowledge of where a horse’s bursae are located and how septic bursitis presents in that region. The supraspinous bursa runs along the dorsal midline at the withers, between the supraspinous ligament and the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae. When this bursa becomes infected, it commonly forms a draining tract that emerges over the withers, producing the classic fistulous withers. The other bursae listed sit in different locations: the infraspinous bursa is near the shoulder blade, the subcutaneous bursa is a superficial structure under the skin away from the midline of the withers, and the bicipital bursa is at the elbow. So the presentation of a fistulous tract over the withers best fits septic involvement of the supraspinous bursa.

This item tests knowledge of where a horse’s bursae are located and how septic bursitis presents in that region. The supraspinous bursa runs along the dorsal midline at the withers, between the supraspinous ligament and the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae. When this bursa becomes infected, it commonly forms a draining tract that emerges over the withers, producing the classic fistulous withers. The other bursae listed sit in different locations: the infraspinous bursa is near the shoulder blade, the subcutaneous bursa is a superficial structure under the skin away from the midline of the withers, and the bicipital bursa is at the elbow. So the presentation of a fistulous tract over the withers best fits septic involvement of the supraspinous bursa.