Hives – Protein Bumps – Urticaria – Nettle Rash – Severe Itching – Sarcoids
Small bumps appearing on the skin, on the front and/or flanks may be due to sensitivity to barley. Protein levels per se are not thought to be directly involved. A reaction is occurring to a specific protein or other antigen.
Severe itching and/or hair loss – If parasites are not apparent, the cause may be sensitivity to barley or another feed ingredient or antigen, as above. The sugar in molasses has been suggested as a possible cause but to date, no conclusive evidence is available. N.B. barley straw in the bed has been known to cause a reaction. Special Diets free of barley and molasses can be formulated for your horse.
One customer reported this problem ceasing on withdrawing an electrolyte supplement. Another reported a reaction to chemical crop spray drift. It may be necessary to experiment by withdrawing one feed ingredient or grooming aid at a time, until the cause is identified.
Treatment Because there are many causes of skin irritation it is difficult to advise on specific supplements for the alleviation of symptoms. However herbs such as nettle, chamomile, burdock root, marigold flowers & cleavers, plus supplements such as brewers yeast, arginine, methione & vitamins C & E have been reported to alleviate itching.
Suitable products are available from Gravenhorse Feeds
Filled Legs/Oedema
Causes may be mechanical (due to injury, possibly leading to lymphangitis) or may also be a sensitivity reaction as described above. There is currently no conclusive research as to the causes. Fluid reaching the leg tissues is normally returned via the blood and lymphatic systems. This mechanism can be impeded through lack of exercise when horses are kept in, and also by a sensitivity reaction to one or more allergenic components in the diet and/or environment. These can include barley straw bedding, pollen, etc. It is suggested that two or more allergens may combine to act as a trigger, but have no effect individually. Extra soluble carbohydrate in hay or haylage combined with starch from cereals in feed may set off a reaction – reduce one or the other and the problem may subside. If in doubt, CONSULT YOUR VET!
Sarcoids: these are a common form of skin cancer which occurs on various parts of the horse’s body. They can appear singly or in clusters, ranging from tiny bumps to the size of oranges. They cause varying degrees of discomfort & may ulcerate and become infected. They attract flies in warm weather and can end up as open sores which will not heal. There are a wide range of treatments available, some, including surgery, from vets. A number of supplements & topical applications are available. All these vary in efficacy; some are only temporary. There is considerable anecdotal evidence supporting the use of turmeric, both as a supplement, and topically, mixed with an ointment such as Sudacreme.
Suitable products are available from Gravenhorse Feeds
For individual advice, please telephone John Chapman on 0344 8844 850 /07721 384508 /07807 479495 or use the contact form here.
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