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Equine Ailments - A to Z
Sweet Itch - an allergic reaction to the bite of the Culicoides midge, sweet itch causes the affected horse to rub itself raw on the mane and/or tail.
Treatment – the midges are most active in the early morning and late evening, when it is wise for allergic animals to be stabled. An alternative for horses kept out is a barrier rug to stop the midges getting to the skin and their use can be combined with fly repellents. Histamine administered by injection or anti-inflammatory drugs may help. Corticosteroids can be used, but have side effects, including increased proneness to laminitis. |
