Preventing Spring Allergies in Horses

Groomer assessing horse skin condition.
Groomer assessing horse skin condition. Dennis Donohue

Newsdate: Mon March 26, 2018, 10:30 am

Spring allergies tend to strike horses as soon as the weather begins to warm. With any allergy, a horse becomes sensitized to the offender - usually a protein of some sort. While initial contact may not cause any obvious problem, repeated exposures lead to reactions that can be most easily described as "over-reaction" by the immune system with release of histamines.

Horse with skin allergy.

Horse with skin allergy

Spring allergies tend to strike horses as soon as the weather begins to warm.

Horses with skin allergies will itch, bite, rub, and roll to relieve the irritated area. Common causes of skin allergies in horse are insect bites. The Culicoides species of biting midges, or "no seeums," are first on the list of irritating insects, but horses can be allergic to virtually any biting insect.

Insect saliva sets off an immune reaction and your horse may develop hives or weeping sores, especially on the midline of his stomach. Rubbing and rolling irritate the areas even more.

You may hear the terms "summer itch," "sweet itch," or "Queensland itch" used to refer to allergic reaction to Culicoides species' saliva. This is not just an Australian phenomenon, but can occur in horses in almost any geographic area.

Parts of the body most affected tend to be around the mane, tail, and the top of the back. Some horses also show signs of pruritus near the head and ears.

According to Lydia F. Gray, DVM MA, writing for SmartPak, "Several research studies have shown that supplementing horses with omega-3 fatty acids—such as those found in flax seed, chia seed and fish oil—actually reduces inflammation in the body. One study specifically looked at horses with “sweet itch” and found a significant decrease in allergic skin response when they were fed flax seed."

Dr. Gray also suggests, "While the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are many and definitely include supporting skin health, MSM is another supplement you may want to consider for your horse. This potent antioxidant also has research supporting its use in allergic conditions, specifically recurrent airway obstruction or “heaves.” It is also reported to support the immune system as well as resilient skin, coat and hooves."

Added note:  According to veterinarians, MethylSulfonylmethane (MSM) for horses improves joint mobility, assists in the formation of proteins and amino acids, connective tissue, hair, hide, hooves. MSM is rapidly establishing a reputation as a natural soluction for many types of pain and inflammation. MSM is a bio-available source of dietary sulfur to aid in the synthesis of collagen, which promotes joint, cartilage and skin health.

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

Author picture

As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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