Pressure sore on withers

[gratefulknits]

My old retired OTTB/broodmare Princess Queen has developed a pressure sore on her withers from her blanket. It's the same blanket she's had for 2 previous winters, and this hasn't happened before. I think it happened because we had a spate of about 7 days with non-stop rain (OK, not by your PNW standards, but non-stop by our NorCal standards!) that were really cold. So during that time she only had her blanket off maybe once, whereas she normally only wears it at night (because she's an arthritic Princess Queen and she likes her warm blankie!). So ... now she has this sore which has just minimially broken the skin, but has definitely rubbed the hair off about a quarter sized area.

Obviously, I've taken away her blanket for now, but I'm wondering if any of you have suggestions on how I can either modify her blanket or add an under layer to it to prevent this from recurring once she heals? I'm considering getting a high neck blanket for her to wear while it does heal, but I'm not even sure that will avoid putting pressure on the sore spot. I had an idea about having the blanket wash/repair lady sew a piece of foam at the neck, with a channel cut down it accomodate her very high withers. Other than that, I don't have any great ideas.

Anybody with similar experience, or any ideas other than no blanket? Any other horse I would just keep blankets off altogether, but she really REALLY loves her blanket! (She sighs when it goes on in the evening!) Thanks in advance for your help.

[mymercedes]

I have had this problem before. I have three horses, all with completely different builds and height of wither. The ONLY blanket I have found to fit them all equally well, and not cause any rubbing whatsoever, anywhere, but especially on the wither is the Big D Sussex.

As far as blankets go, it is moderately priced, extremely weather proof, breathes well, and comes up just high enough that it covers the wither completely and does not rub at all. My TWH mare has an extremely high wither and every other blanket I have tried rubbed her raw and I was constantly trying to adjust the blanket to cover the wither. I haven't had much luck trying to add anything onto a blanket that rubs.

Best of luck! Nothing is more frustrating when there is still cold wet weather to come and the blanket causes issues!

[Sara]

This might be an awful idea but I wonder if a sleezy woudl provide enough "slip" to prevent the blanket from rubbing? I'm not an expert... just a thought!

[cat67]

They have a specific sleezy that is meant to fix that problem! My friend's horse Chanel has to wear it. It covers the chest and shoulder and goes past the withers up the neck a bit - prevents any and all rubs to the withers or chest.



Call around to find it locally...or you can order them online. You might find one on ebay if you look.

[gratefulknits]

Thanks everybody! I'll check in to the sleezy since that would let her keep using her current blanket, but otherwise I'll look at the Sussex blanket. Thanks again ... her royal highness no doubt will appreciate it!

[gratefulknits]

Thought I'd share with you that I just found a Sleezy "wannabe" on sale at www.horseloverz.com for $12.95, so I've ordered it and will give it a try. I'll let you all know if this solves the problem. Many thanks for the ideas.

[rodeo51]

I have a sleezy on my mare Katey all winter when she wears her blanket. If I don't have her wear one her blanket rubs her withers and causes sores. The one she has now has lasted 3 winters and I just throw it in the wash to keep it clean. I love them...a great item to have. :-)

[fototropic]

I had to get a shoulder guard for my older OTTB mare, Lilly. She got rubs on the points of her shoulders. I found one on ebay for $10.95 that someone is making themselves. I got the large, should have gotten medium, but it is well made and works fine.

As for her blanket, I think last year that her withers got sore from the blanket even though there were no rub marks. I got her a Schneider's that has a gusset over the withers for horses with prominent withers. It is a gorgeous blanket and fits her beautifully. So far she's fine, no soreness. They're a bit pricey, but I got it on ebay for $76. Supposedly it had been worn once or twice, but I sure couldn't tell. It was absolutely like brand new. I do love ebay.

Pam

[cutiepiepmu]

The Sleazie knock offs are really nice. I ordered a couple for my kids and got them yesterday. The fit is good, the lycra is good weight and the velcro on the bottom is wide I ws pleased - especially for the price!!!

Sara

[rodeo51]

If anyone is interested...Country Supply currently has Defender Lycra Shoulder Guards or Sleezys on sale for $19.99. if you get 2 there $16.99 a piece.