A horse charity in England is asking someone to step forward to help a horse that is especially sensitive to midge bites that result in a condition known as "sweet itch." The Whitchurch-based HorseWorld Visitor Centre is appealing for a sponsor or skilled person who can fund or make custom-made pajamas for its well-known resident horse, Gracie May, which is suffering from a severe case of itching.
Biting midge feeding on blood
The 17-hand heavy horse is suffering from sweet itch - a medical condition caused by an allergic reaction to midge bites, for which there is currently no cure.
The 17-hand heavy horse is suffering from sweet itch - a medical condition caused by an allergic reaction to midge bites, for which there is currently no cure.
An equine suffering from the condition will often show signs of severe pruritus, or itching, hair loss, skin thickening, and flaky dandruff. Exudative dermatitis, or weeping sores, sometimes a yellow crust of dried serum may occur. Without attention, sores can suffer secondary infection.
Horses that suffer from sweet itch often wear rugs, blankets or sheets that aim to prevent future midge bites, but Gracie May's condition has been worsening for the past few months.
The horse charity based near Bristol, England, said that they have been struggling to keep the beautiful horse's itching under control.
Karen Hardwick, the charity's yard manager, said Gracie May currently has a rug that protects her when she is in the fields, but it is not a perfect fit for her.
Appealing for help for Gracie May, Hardwick said, "She badly needs something suitable for wearing indoors when she is in her stable here at Whitchurch - a pajama suit would fit the bill."
Gracie May's size is a problem too. She is seven feet in height from the ground to the peak of her head. The charity is hopeful that a skilled seamstress could produce a custom-made pajama suit from material supplied by the charity.