My Horse is So Itchy! What Can I Do?

Skin allergy, also known as allergic dermatitis, is a fairly common problem in horses. Some horses are seasonally affected while others suffer year-round. Sometimes their discomfort is so severe that they can no longer be ridden or easily handled. A few things need to be considered in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergic dermatitis symptoms. You may be surprised at the things that you can do at the barn to help manage or prevent symptoms. 

What is Equine Allergic Dermatitis?

Equine Allergic Dermatitis is the skin’s reaction to an environmental irritant.  Allergies are generally caused by the body’s over-reaction to a non-harmful substance.  Common causes of allergy across species include pollen, molds and insect bites. Researchers are not completely sure why some allergies occur, but it could be due to genetics or a faulty immune system.  In horses, hypersensitivity to fly and mosquito bites is usually to blame. 

Symptoms

Signs can include hives - those itchy, raised bumps. Horses may kick at themselves and bite their skin – sometimes to the point where they bleed. Rubbing affected areas on fence posts or water buckets can also provide temporary relief but can severely damage the skin. Some of the “wheals” can resemble donuts – a raised ring of swelling and inflammation with a “pit” in the center.  These poor horses are often irritable and can be difficult to ride. 

Control and Prevention

The best way to prevent allergy flare-ups is to prevent the bites.  Long-acting fly sprays (such as Freedom 45 Spot-On, from Star Horse Products NV) can be applied to fly sheets. Automated fly spray applicators should be considered for barn systems. Mosquito magnets should also be used in the barn and near the turnout paddocks.  Stabling your horse during peak seasons and times of day can reduce the number of bites. Avoid turnout near sources of flies, such as cattle or manure piles.  Severely affected horses may need veterinary treatment with corticosteroids. 

Immune Support

It has been well-documented that supplementation with omega fatty acids can reduce allergic reactions to insect bites in horses.(1) These omega fatty acids provide essential support to the immune system and aid in the skin’s ability to heal itself. A great example of how omega fatty acid supplementation has healing and soothing powers is found in an 18- week study of horses with mosquito bite allergic dermatitis in Florida.  The horses were supplemented with either high levels of omega-3 or with corn oil (high in omega-6) in a double-blinded crossover study.  The horses showed the most improvement in their comfort level when on the diet high in omega-3. (2)

Plant-based supplements such as Seabuck 7 Equine provide a rich source of omega-3, omega-7 and omega-9 fatty acids. Additionally, the natural sea buckthorn berry in Seabuck 7 Equine contains other skin support compounds such as Vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids.  Omega-7 is also an important component for proper skin healing and for maintaining elasticity. 

Additionally, topical preparations of sea buckthorn berry (Seabuck 7 Skin Relief) can be helpful to soothe and aid healing of hives, insect bites and minor abrasions. If your horse suffers from allergic dermatitis, this is a must-have remedy for your grooming kit!

Resources
(1) Rashmir-Raven, Ann.  Equine Dermatology: Allergic Dermatitis (EQ39). Western Veterinary Conference Proceedings. 2012.
(2) Friberg, C., Logas, D. Treatment of Culicoides Hypersensitive Horses with High Dose n-3 Fatty Acids: A Double-Blinded Crossover Study. Vet Dermatol. 1999;10(2):117-122. 

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting a new medication, remedy or nutritional supplement. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only – it is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease process.