Equine Sweet Itch
Written by: Moira Clune
What is it?
Equine sweet itch is an allergic skin reaction. This inflammation of the skin is also called Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis (SSRD).
What are the symptoms?
In most cases the horse will become itchy along the back, especially around the mane and tail. In extreme cases, the horse can rub itself raw trying to relieve the itching.
Your horse may swish its tail vigorously, roll frequently and attempt to scratch on anything within reach.
Where does it come from?
Equine Sweet Itch is a seasonal allergic skin condition caused by fly bites, most often the Culicoides pulicaris midge. Most horses and ponies bitten by this midge have no reaction to it, but horses that suffer from sweet itch develop an allergy to the bites.
Sweet itch usually begins in horses at 4 to 6 years of age and can get worse as the animal gets older. Sweet Itch is not contagious.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is not usually difficult as the symptoms and the seasonal nature are strong indicators. Allergy tests can be performed.
How is it treated?
Effective treatment of equine sweet itch depends on the severity of your horses condition. Steroids and antihistamines can be used in severe cases, but there are side effects to both. Calamine lotions may reduce the itch and inflammation, but will not prevent midge bites. Prevention is really the best solution for sweet itch.
How is it prevented?
Minimize the midges. Midges are most active at dawn and dusk. On mild, humid and windless days, keep the horse in the stable or under shelter during these hours.
Midges love the decomposing vegetation found in woods and near water. Graze affected horses in dry, open areas.
Special sweet itch rugs cover the horse from poll to tail, protecting him from midge bites.
Insect repellents don't work well on gnats. Some gnat-repelling home remedies include:
- Add cider vinegar to your horse's feed.
- Apply Avon's Skin-So-Soft or Vick's VapoRub to the most vulnerable areas.
- Rub a fabric softening dryer sheet over your horse.
- Apply baby oil liberally to mane and tail.
Here are easy, soothing lotions to apply to sweet itch sores. Use it twice daily:
-
8 oz. Gold Bond Extra Strength Medicated Body Lotion (green bottle)
- 4 oz. Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
- 4 oz. Benadryl Itch-Stopping Gel
- 4 - 8 oz. Avon Skin So Soft
Sweet itch isn't the most serious equine skin condition, but it can make your horse miserable. Try to reduce your horse's exposure to biting midges to keep it under control.
Let Practical Horsekeeping show you how to become an efficient, effective equine expert! Moira Clune and Noreen Girao provide helpful horse care information with a practical twist. Their free horse care ezine shows you the fastest, safest, smartest ways to care for your horse. Sign up today and get their free, veterinarian approved Colic Preparedness Report that shows you exactly what to do in a horse colic emergency. And be sure to visit their racehorse rehabilitation blog to follow the retraining progress of Bayrod, a thoroughbred racehorse with an impressive lineage and a dismal track record.
