If you know that your horse battles sweet itch and other allergies when the weather gets warm, plan on adding Platinum Skin & Allergy formula into your horses supplement program 4 to 6 weeks ahead of the season change. 2022 Innovacyn, Inc. All rights reserved. Midges are weak flyers and circulating air can help prevent them from landing. Allergic reactions are an inflammatory immune response and can appear in your horses skin and respiratory airways. Similar results were noted in response to the Mosquito Culicidae and Culicoides spp. Another study looked specifically at skin reactions to seasonal allergens following intradermal skin injections in horses receiving a comprehensive omega- 3 formula, which contained ground flaxseed and cold-pressed flax oil, algal DHA and a variety of micronutrients. She has a particular interest in anaesthesia, pre-purchase examinations, ophthalmology and dermatology amongst other clinical concerns. Get a free Le Mieux Hat Silk when you subscribe. In our quest to keep horses happy we have sourced a selection of supplements in syrup or powder form from top equine manufacturers to make sure your horse does not suffer the unpleasant and ugly consequences of skin disease and damage. Scott Cieslar founded Mad Barn 20 years ago on a mission for the best nutrition for his horses. The drug labels on this website may not be the most current or identical to the current labels shipped with the product. If your horse is feeling under the weather due to sweet itch, Vetericyn can help. Straw bedding can also be a source of dust and endotoxins (mold) that cause breathing issues. Adding spirulina particularly during the summer months could help reduce skin allergies and infections that might arise from persistent scratching. Mad Barns bulk Spirulina powder is composed of pure, dried spirulina without any additional ingredients. Essential amino acids are those protein molecules that horses cannot synthesize on their own and must obtain from the diet. Specifically, those 5 horses had an average test result of 74.6 mg/dL after treatment, matching the test result of healthy horses (74.0 mg/dl). The key to addressing equine allergies is to support your horses immune system and healthy levels of inflammation by adding key nutrients: Platinum Performance Equine provides omega-3 fatty acids to help support a healthy level of inflammation along with a comprehensive daily wellness formula. If they are caused by insects, fly gear such as fly sheets, boots and masks may help to prevent recurrence. Numerous studies support the fact that omega-3 fatty acids can provide support during a seasonal allergic reaction. Careful management of sweet itch, as well as other seasonal skin allergies and dermatitis, is imperative to prevent a horse from harming himself by rubbing itchy, irritated skin. Sweet itch in horses: Signs | Prevention and management | Treatment. The skin may be rubbed until it is crusty, weepy, raw and hairless. In one case, an 8-year-old Warmblood event horse was fed 2000 mg Jiaogulan and 20 grams of Spirulina twice daily. It is important not to confuse Spirulina with other types of blue-green algae products. Obviously it is not right to compromise a horses welfare by leaving ititching, however it cannot have potentially performance enhancing medication such as steroids or anti-histamines whilst competing. Improving insulin sensitivity can help prevent horses from developing laminitis (inflammation in the hoof) and chronic lameness. Aloeride adroll_currency = "USD"; . All you could think about was scratching this itch here, really getting your nails in there, regardless of the damage it could cause. Minimize standing water, which is where midges live and breed. Sweet Itch is an allergic reaction by horses to the saliva of the biting midge Culicoides. All issues of Platinum Magazine are complimentary. Biting insects including lice, midges, black flies and horse flies can trigger cases of pruritus, but milder cases can occur simply as a horse sheds its coat. This can help minimize over-reactions to common allergens like dust and pollen. For horses that need to gain weight, Healthy Weight provides calories in addition to forage. But steroids carry a low but real risk of serious side effects, including laminitis. Skin scrapings are useful in many cases, enabling the vet to check for lice and other skin parasites, such as mange mites. For horses in competition, spirulina may be an effective alternative to clenbuterol or corticosteroids to support respiratory function and exercise recovery. Bathing with shampoos can deplete the horses natural coat oils causing dry skin. https://thehorse.com/157859/sweet-itch-itching-for-a-cure/, https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/sweet-itch, https://equusmagazine.com/diseases/prevention-sweet-itch-28009, https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/how-to-manage-sweet-itch-530771, Horse Dermatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and More, Horse Thrush Symptoms, Treatment, and More, 5 Easy Steps to Treating Hot Spots on Dogs. are most likely to bite. Seasonal allergens may include grasses, molds, spores or insect bites. Global Herbs Skratch Plus If your horse hates wearing covers, you can also try installing mesh screens or curtains on all barn openings to prevent bugs from flying in. Learn more. Horses with equine metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance have shown improvement in metabolic health with spirulina. With careful management, including the use of therapeutic nutrients, it is possible to support sweet itch, so that you and your horse are able to enjoy the season. [1]. For infected horses, anti-microbial shampoos may be used to treat and clean the area. Crude Protein (16-20%) Crude Fibre (NLT 15%) Crude Ash (NLT 10%) Crude Oils and Fats (9.5-11.6%) Moisture Content (NMT 12%) Sodium (0.2%) Ash insoluble in HCl (NLT 5%) Directions: One scoop (15g), three times per day for ten days. Steroids are not the only option available to make the horse more comfortable while further investigations into the cause of the problem are carried out. No-see-ums. It has been shown to improve metabolic health in horses affected by insulin resistance. However, fats from plant sources only. Maybe your mom even ended up putting mittens on you to prevent scabs. Symptoms of rain rot include dry skin and loose, flaky hair that may fall out in patches when grooming. This dose can be safely given to horses with EMS and/or respiratory issues, but consult with your veterinarian first to make sure it is appropriate for your horses needs. Here, we've selected four of the best. Repeated bites mean repeated itchiness. While at Guelph, she worked at the Arkell Poultry and Equine Research Station where she assisted with daily care of the horses. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. Products links are selected by EQUUS editors.]. After adding these supplements to his feeding program, the gelding had stronger last quarters in races and improved his speed by one second. Spirulina supports weight loss in horses with equine metabolic syndrome. Definition: Technically known as equine insect hypersensitivity (EIH), sweet itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting insects, most often the Culicoides species of midges and gnats. All rights reserved. Small skin cracks allow bacteria and fungi to enter resulting in inflammation. Both humectant and emollient sprays are available as therapy in pruritic horses. Spirulina supplementation is used to support respiratory function and metabolic health in horses because of its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Support Your Horse During the Hot Summer Months. The legs may become red, irritated and scabby with crusty bumps that weep or bleed. It is considered a complete protein because it supplies all essential amino acids which are required in the equine diet. This is likely the case if symptoms lessen when horses are on pasture and given low-dust or dust-free hay, pelleted feed, or hay cubes. Just make sure whatever your horse is wearing is breathable for those hot months. Midges. By improving the diet we can support the horse's own natural defenses. Dry skin may also have a dietary component and is sometimes seen in horses that need a boost of skin-supporting omega-3 fats or biotin, or are lacking certain minerals, like zinc or copper. Think Itch is a ground-breaking feed supplement recommended for horses that are sensitive to midges. Signs of EMS include: There are other reasons to consider adding Spirulina to your horses diet. One of the best ways to prevent bites (from any insect, not just midges) is to protect your horses skin. Location of the lesions may depend on the specific species of gnat; most prefer to bite on the neck and along the topline, but some target the chest, belly, tail and groin. Culicoides cannot fly in wind faster than 5 mph. Feeding a supplement can help soothe the symptoms from the inside out. Gnats are weak flyers and even a slight breeze will keep them away. Overdoses may cause increased sedation and severity of other side effects. So if your horse is susceptible to sweet itch, youll want to reduce his exposure to the insects that cause it. An organic aloe vera supplement that promotes healthy skin and the healing of sores caused by scratching. It includes Platinum Performance Equineto support every part of the horse from digestion, skin & coat, hooves, and more. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are sometimes used with caution. Free radicals that are produced normally during metabolism cause damage to DNA and fats in the cells. A horse with itchy skin will rub up against fences, stalls, trees, or other objects in an attempt to scratch the itch. This veterinary-developed formula provides a gastrointestinal-focused approach to total equine health by providing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, trace minerals, along with Bio-Sponge, prebiotics, probiotics and glutamine for GI support. Midges. The tiny predators that cause sweet itch in horses go by many names, but all lead back to the same horrible result: a rash your horse can't shake.1 Sweet itch is an intense allergic reaction stemming from one of these nasty gnats. When you can hardly see the insect, how are you supposed to keep it out of your stable? It promotes the maturation and activity of specific immune cells that help support allergic responses. The most common side effect of antihistamines is sedation. For dull, dry coat and exposure to common allergies, For advanced allergy relief during seasonal allergy outbreaks, Supports the allergic response with omega-3s and vitamin E. Copyright 2023 Platinum Performance. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough skin history and physical examination. An organic aloe vera supplement that promotes healthy skin and the healing of sores caused by scratching. If your horse has sweet itch, this is the kind of discomfort they are likely experiencing. Spirulina can protect against the development of allergic reactions. A study by Nawrocka et al., published in 2017 examined the effect of Spirulina platensis in horses with EMS. This is a significant decline, but still much higher than healthy horses whose fasting insulin levels average 3.8 mU/ml. Pentoxifylline can be used to decrease skin reactivity, and in some cases allergy serum is worth trying. An abnormal life step for these stomach worms, the larvae will not grow into adult worms on the skin but will cause an inflammatory reaction characterized by redness, swelling and intense itching. Keep the legs clean, dry and exposed to air. The key to addressing allergies is to support a horse's immune system with nutrients found in our equine wellness and advanced allergy support supplements. Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Equilite's Garli+C works well for many horses, and most horses find it palatable. Vetericyn FoamCare Equine Medicated Shampoo is designed to bring veterinary-quality care into your stable. And best of all, it will fit right into your regular routine. Priska grew up on a dairy farm in Eastern Ontario before attending the University of Guelph in 2005 to complete a B.Sc. Gnats breed in marshy, shady ground with rotting vegetation. Spirulina is a nutritionally dense blue-green algae that is used as an equine supplement to support horses with immune or respiratory needs. This may include equine intra-dermal skin testing, which involves the intradermal injection of a range of potential allergens relevant to the geographical area. Most wont begin to show signs until they are at least 2 to 4 years old. The recommended dose of bulk spirulina powder for a 500kg horse is 20 grams twice per day. There are anecdotal reports that a European vaccine designed by ringworm has been useful to moderate sweet itch signs this year; however it is too early to know whether this is effective. Culicoides. Pyrilamine maleate and tripelennamine are prohibited or regulated in most sanctioned competitions. http://www.globalherbs.co.uk. Sweet itch can make a horse miserable. Biting gnats. [1]. And theres a reason sweet itch is often referred to as a seasonal allergy. Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding use of this, or any medication. It is probably the most common dermatologic complaint. I have found that by feeding this early in the year before the gnats start, it alters the horse's immune system Add to that a mix of 5 ml Neem oil, 3 ml shampoo and 1 litre of hot water and wash that over the horse. Phycocyanin increases production of protective antibodies (IgA and IgG) and decreases production of pro-inflammatory antibodies (immunoglobulin E, IgE). Six horses with EMS were given pelleted spirulina (500g per day) while another six horses with EMS were given pelleted hay. The chronic cough she experienced during exercise stopped within a week. Horse chestnut side effects (more detail) Not only can it affect their performance and appearance, but also special care has to be taken to ensure that they are not treated with prohibited substances during or around the time of competition. Scott says, "Seeing the improvement in condition and performance of the horses in my care, naturally, people asked what I was feeding and from there a business was born.". The active ingredients include unique antioxidant proteins and anti-inflammatory fatty acids. [11]. If you have a Welsh pony, Icelandic horse, or a Shire, keep your eyes peeled for that intense itching and characteristic hair loss. When combined with other central nervous system depressant drugs, such as tranquilizers, antihistamines have an additive effect. You might also consider applying a spray repellent designed for use on stall walls and other surfaces inside the barn. If a case is severe enough, the horse may become restless and thin, as he spends more time scratching than eating. Any signs of irregularity and discolouration of the skin, most noticeable when the coat is clipped should be viewed with suspicion. How To Treat Sweet Itch In Horses By Sam D November 22, 2022 0 0 My Horse Is Affected By Sweet Itch Preventing and treating Sweet Itch in horses In order for your horse to enjoy the summer again, you can treat sweet itch with some personalised treatment options and get it under control. Identify gaps in your horse's nutrition program to optimize their well-being. A separate control group of six healthy horses who did not have EMS were also given pelleted hay. Your veterinarian should be consulted on the best course of action, but mild cases may be treated by washing the affected area with antibacterial soaps or antifungal solutions and topicals. Compounds found in Spirulina influence the immune system to moderate the inflammatory response to potential allergens, which helps minimize coughing and headshaking in horses with respiratory allergies. Horses showed less symptoms like coughing, sneezing and headshaking after they were supplemented with spirulina and jiaogulan. Here are steps you can take: Culicoides spp. Relieve your horse's irritated skin with anti-itch shampoos and rinses for horses. Dry skin, hives, scratches, rain rot and summer sores can result in seasonally itchy or uncomfortable horses. Side effects also need to be considered, especially with long term usage. These self-inflicted manifestations of sweet itch are most often seen under the mane of the neck, under the belly or around the dock of the tail and may also be seen on the face, shoulders and withers. Improved vasodilation is one likely explanation for improved exercise performance and recovery. Sweet itch goes by many names, including summer itch, Queensland itch and Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (IBH). Thankfully there is a lot that can be done to managesweetitchwithout using prohibited drugs. In the equine diet, cereal grains, like corn, oats and barley, grainbased feeds and corn oil contain high levels of omega-6 fats. In comparison, the EMS horses had no change in body weight or condition score over this time frame. For best results, use one of these formulas in combination with Platinum Performance Equine. EquiMed does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Made of fine mesh and equipped with closures to keep out bugs, clothing designed specifically for horses with sweet itch has extensions to cover the neck, belly and tail, the areas where Culicoides spp. In the study, all reactions were significantly reduced after 11 weeks of supplementation. Most commonly, allergic reactions affect the skin and respiratory airways in horses and generally develop in response to exposure to seasonal allergens like molds, spores, insect bites and certain proteins present in pasture grasses. There have been high profile cases where competition ponies have been disqualified as a result of competing on such prohibited treatments. Tried and tested, palatable pure herbal supplement for horses prone to seasonal itching, rubbing, scratching, hair and skin abrasion and hair loss. Typically, veterinarians will start by performing some diagnostic tests to rule out other causes for the itching by scraping a small skin culture. Think Itch from Brinicombe Equine is a ground-breaking horse skin supplement incorporating the internationally renowned Think Fly formula, combined with ingredients which support a healthy immune system and maintain healthy skin. [1]. Thick, oily or sticky ointments are messier but may . [1]. Another case involved a 4-year-old Standardbred gelding with inflammatory airway disease diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage showing high numbers of inflammatory mast cells. Spirulina powder consists mainly of the cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. You should always consult a qualified nutritionist before altering your feed program. Fastidious management is very important, but may be challenging when travelling to events away from home. Its especially tough to stop sweet itch because midge bites are relentless. And unfortunately, its hard to put mittens on a horse. Horse Itch Solution #4: Feed Supplements. [1], Horses given spirulina and jiaogulan had pinker gums and tongue which suggests improved vasodilation and greater oxygen supply to tissues. There are currently no placebo-controlled studies available to evaluate the effects of spirulina on respiratory function in horses. Here, weve selected four of the best. use coupon: estimated: $ 53.01. At Platinum Performance, we love to showcase the success of our clients, their horses and the veterinarians that care for them. If your horse suffers from sweet itch the summer months can be tough for you and your horse. Shampoos containing colloidal oatmeal and oils such as borage, tea tree, evening primrose and aloe vera can also have palliative effects. Why do some horses get allergies and not others? This can lead to hair loss, open sores or raw skin that is susceptible to infections, Swollen, oozing or crusty skin along the midline of the belly, Unusual fat deposits on the neck (cresty neck), tail head and loin, around the udder or prepuce, Excessive drinking and frequent urination, Laminitis showing reluctance to turn, a shortened stride or stiff gait, reluctance to exercise, shifting weight from foot to foot, hooves that are hot to the touch, change in temperament. Dr. Priska Darani has had a lifelong passion for understanding how diet regulates metabolism and contributes to health in both humans and animals. There are many causative factors for them, but, seasonally, hives are often seen in response to bug bites, pollens and other seasonal allergens. Culicoides. For horses already suffering from sweet itch, there is an opportunity for fast skin-deep relief. This equine superfood is also rich in beta-carotene (the precursor for vitamin A), vitamin C, and vitamin E which are powerful antioxidants that protect all cells of the body. Helps Maintain Normal Equine Histamine Levels, The Equine Wellness & Performance Formula. U.S. federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian. Combining 20 grams of Spirulina with 2000 mg of Jiaogulan twice per day, normalized respiratory recovery following moderate exercise and improved race times. Vitamins, trace minerals and antioxidants to help support a healthy coat as well as overall horse health. Would spirlina be alright to add along? Although antihistamines do not block the release of histamine, they compete with histamine for uptake at the histamine receptors on sensitive cells in the respiratory tract, intestines, blood vessels, and skin. The animal may excessively bite or lick its skin to the point of drawing blood or causing damage to the skin.
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