Does your horse seem to be uneasy? Is it sneezing more often or seem to be uncomfortable? That might be due to allergies. Similar to humans, horses can develop allergies to various items, including food, airborne allergens, and plant particles (also known as allergic inhalant dermatitis or atopy). Allergens are substances that cause inflammation when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract. They do this by stimulating the release of histamine. Vaccinations and drugs can also cause allergic responses.
There are multiple horse jumping barns in Texas providing horse boarding, many times due to lack of proper care or attention, the horses might catch allergies. I have seen many show jumping barns near me, facing the same problem.
Hives, pruritis (itchy skin), respiratory issues including coughing or wheezing, and persistent head shaking are typical symptoms of horse allergies. Hives might begin as tiny skin lumps that gradually develop into raised welts. Horses who experience severe allergic reactions may be more susceptible to anaphylaxis, which results in an abrupt drop in blood pressure and respiratory problems. Horse allergies that are experiencing anaphylaxis need to be treated immediately with epinephrine injections to keep them from falling into shock.
Below, we have discussed a few horse allergies. Read them thoroughly and be aware!
Summer Itch
Horses allergic to the bite of Culicoides midges may get an oozing, crusty rash on their necks, tummies, and docks. Summer eczema in allergic horses is so itchy that they can’t stop rubbing, scratching, and biting their skin. If left untreated, summer itch can promote bacterial infections and systemic diseases. You can also get help from professional trainers and caretakers at any horse jumping barns in Texas. They usually go through the same stuff and can help you with the same.
Mold, Dust, and Pollen
The respiratory symptoms of equine allergies include difficulty breathing, heavy nasal drainage, runny eyes, and head shaking. Airborne allergies are more common in horses with food or insect bite allergies than in horses without sensitivities. Pollen can also cause “heaves,” an allergy-related illness. Heaves, which typically affect older horses, develop when lung cells respond to allergens by swelling, thickening the lining of the airways, and secreting more mucus. The horse could get pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses if thickened airways hold enough bacteria.
Insect Bites
Horses may also be allergic to mosquito, black fly, deer fly, and horsefly bites in addition to midges. In addition, allergies may be brought on by mites and fleas. Scabs, hairless spots, itching, and inflamed skin are signs of possible insect bite allergies. These symptoms mostly affect the base of the tail, abdomen, face, and root of the mane.
Food Allergies
Despite their rarity, equine food allergies can exist and frequently include grains, grasses, or chemicals found in dietary supplements or processed meals. Atopic dermatitis and hives that may or may not itch are the main signs of food allergies. Food allergies in horses can also result in diarrhea, swollen shoulders and belly, runny or bleeding noses, and other symptoms.
How to Treat these Allergies?
A veterinarian may conduct allergy testing by shaving off a section of the horse’s hair and exposing the skin to several allergens presented in grid patterns after mold and dust have been ruled out as potential allergies. The initial line of treatment for allergies in horses is frequently antihistamines, followed by allergen removal from the environment.
Since immune systems that are damaged or not working properly are the cause of allergies, giving horses immune support supplements may help to lessen or perhaps get rid of allergies in horses. Natural immune supplements rich in vitamins and minerals are available from Kauffman’s Animal Health to assist the immune system. Many show jumping barns near me or most of the horse jumping barns in Texas follow these tips.