Dealing with Sweet Itch
How to Help a Horse Suffering from SSRD
Oct 27, 2008 Frances Penwill-Cook
Sweet itch is a non-contagious disease, which is caused by a hypersensitive reaction to midge bites. It is most prevalent from March to October and creates physical symptoms on the skin and intense itching for the horse.
Signs your horse has Sweet Itch include: greyish spots appearing on the mane and tail area (the shoulders, back, sheath and legs can also be affected), hair loss (where it breaks through rubbing) and sores (caused by the horse’s vigorous itching).
Unless it is managed the itching will not disappear and the sores can eventually cause infection. Each horse will respond differently to treatment, so it is a case of mixing and matching possible solutions to see what works best for you and your horse.
Change the Environment
A grass-kept horse will need particular attention in the morning and evening when the midges are at their worst. Keeping horses away from midge-infested areas at these times can help as it will reduce the chance of the horse being bitten.
It can also help to keep your horse away from wet or marshy land, which is a breeding ground for midges. Being located by the sea or in an elevated position can often cause a horse’s Sweet Itch to reduce or completely disappear - as can moving into a new environment.
Anti-midge Blankets and Hoods
There are many blankets and hoods on the market that help your horse stay clear of biting midges. Some are designed to be worn in all weathers, even when it is very warm.
Although more expensive, it is important to purchase a blanket with anti-midge material, so a normal fly rug or mask will usually not suffice. They are made to fit snugly under the belly, around the legs and chest to avoid midges gaining access to the horse’s skin.
These special blankets and hoods are costly, but often necessary to manage this disease effectively. It is therefore important that you take measures to preserve them as best you can.
Try to ensure that the horse isn’t itchy before you put a blanket on or it could be rubbed to pieces. Avoid putting a blanketed horse into a field with barbed wire, which can also dangerous for an itchy horse.
Sweet Itch Medicines and Remedies
There are many lotions and sprays available to help soothe the itching, but finding out what works best for your horse can be a costly process. Dermit-Stop and DEET seem to be very effective and Wendals Herbs Stop Itch is also well worth trying. Feeding oats to your horse can also make a difference due to their antihistamine properties.
If it is not possible to manage the Sweet Itch by trying different remedies, blankets, environments or creams, it may be that antihistamine or Cortisone injections are necessary.
If you suspect that your horse has Sweet Itch or you are considering buying a horse with Sweet Itch then get in touch with your vet and see what course of treatment is recommended.
Sweet Itch causes greyish spots to appear.
|
An anti-midge blanket and hood.
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
Latest Articles