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Allergies in Horses
- By North Bridge Equine
- •
- 20 Jun, 2024
Causes, ways to manage, and how to keep your horse comfortable
At all times a horse’s body is under siege from the abundance of microorganisms present everywhere. A healthy immune system keeps these minute organisms at bay as inflammatory cells wage invisible battles to repel foreign proteins (antigens) attempting to invade the body. Normally, the immune system holds its line of defense without the horse even knowing that its immune system is at work.
When microbes invade and colonize, a horse shows clinical signs of disease. But occasionally, an immune response overreacts to a noninfectious cause. Such a hypersensitivity response is referred to as an allergy; it can range from a serious, life-threatening systemic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a mild, but disagreeable, skin reaction such as hives or itching.
The perplexing nature of hypersensitivity reactions in horses is further compounded by their gradual development over weeks, months, or even years. Consequently, the sudden appearance of hives cannot always be attributed to recent changes, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the issue. This intricate interplay between the horse's immune system and allergic responses underscores the importance of careful observation and comprehensive understanding in managing equine health effectively.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, can be triggered by a multitude of factors. Medications like antibiotics, antiparasitic drugs, and hormones, as well as certain vaccines, have been identified as potential culprits. Additionally, foods such as plants, hay, and supplements can also lead to urticaria. Hypersensitivities, including adverse food reactions, contact allergies, and genetically linked atopy, can play a significant role in the development of this skin condition. In some cases, urticaria may arise from infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, or even from stings by insects.
The mechanism behind urticaria involves allergen-specific antibodies (immunoglobulin E or IgE), which upon initial exposure, prime mast cells and basophils for a Type I hypersensitivity reaction upon subsequent encounters with the allergen. This process leads to the release of biochemical substances like prostaglandins and histamines, triggering an inflammatory response. Understanding the diverse causes of urticaria is crucial in effectively managing and treating this condition.
When dealing with hives in horses, it is beneficial to act promptly and seek professional advice. If your horse is experiencing an acute allergic response, contacting your veterinarian immediately is essential. While hives may not bother some horses, others may itch and feel discomfort. In such cases, providing cool water soaks can offer relief. However, it is generally advised not to administer any medications before your veterinarian assesses the situation. Hives typically resolve on their own within one to two days and do not significantly impact the horse's overall health.
In more severe instances, treatment with epinephrine and corticosteroids may be necessary. Although antihistamines may not be highly effective for acute hives, medications like hydroxyzine or cetirizine could help in limiting the allergic response. Remember, the well-being of your horse is paramount, and consulting with a veterinarian for proper evaluation and guidance is always recommended in such situations.
In more severe instances, treatment with epinephrine and corticosteroids may be necessary. Although antihistamines may not be highly effective for acute hives, medications like hydroxyzine or cetirizine could help in limiting the allergic response. Remember, the well-being of your horse is paramount, and consulting with a veterinarian for proper evaluation and guidance is always recommended in such situations.
In the event of an allergic response in your horse, it is crucial to distinguish it from infections such as skin parasites or bacterial/fungal infections like ringworm. Administering corticosteroids without proper differentiation can exacerbate a mild infection, transforming it into a severe and challenging issue to address. One key indicator is the rapid hair loss within a few days in cases of ringworm, contrasting with the absence of hair loss in hives. Should hives manifest, prompt action involves discontinuing any new medications or food supplements. The principle of 'less is more' is emphasized, advocating for the removal of all supplements and herbs from the horse's diet except for hay, rather than attempting to resolve the issue by introducing additional supplements. This approach can prove to be more effective in managing the condition.
You can also consider alternative methods alongside conventional Western medical treatments. Holistic therapy, such as acupuncture, can be effective in addressing allergic problems directly. Whether the medical approach is rooted in Western or Eastern philosophy, it is crucial to avoid exercising a horse under saddle when they are experiencing hives. Sweat can exacerbate the physical discomfort around the bumps, while tack can further irritate the inflamed tissue. It is advisable to wait for a day or two for the hives to fully resolve before resuming regular work with your horse.
In the case of a one-time occurrence of hives in your horse, identifying the exact cause may be challenging. However, if hives become a recurring issue, it becomes important to pinpoint the allergen triggering the reaction. A proactive approach involves reflecting on recent changes in your horse's diet, environment, medications, vaccinations, or stress levels. By compiling a list of potential triggers and sharing it with your veterinarian, you can streamline the investigative process.
Effective management of hives in horses often revolves around minimizing exposure to potential allergens through ingestion, contact, or inhalation. Through careful observation and investigation, you can potentially uncover the root cause of the hives and take necessary steps to prevent future occurrences. By working collaboratively with your veterinarian and employing time-tested strategies, you can ensure the health and comfort of your horse.
Effective management of hives in horses often revolves around minimizing exposure to potential allergens through ingestion, contact, or inhalation. Through careful observation and investigation, you can potentially uncover the root cause of the hives and take necessary steps to prevent future occurrences. By working collaboratively with your veterinarian and employing time-tested strategies, you can ensure the health and comfort of your horse.
Another option is allergy testing to pinpoint allergic sources such as pollens, molds, grasses, weeds, dust mites, insects, and farm plants. This method requires the horse to be off medications like steroids or antihistamines for a period of 10-30 days prior to testing. Once an antigen is identified, immunotherapy injections, also known as hyposensitization, can be administered to target the specific allergen. This process is gradual and should be sustained for a minimum of one year. By gradually administering small doses of allergy vaccine, the horse's immune system can build tolerance to the allergen, leading to reduced or no reaction upon re-exposure. This innovative approach aims to enhance equine well-being and mitigate allergic reactions effectively.
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Pasture Management for Springtime Grass
After months of barren ground or snow covered fields, we are slowly starting to see the gorgeous signs of spring in New England once again. The horses are shedding and eagerly awaiting any chance they have to nibble some delicious green grass. Below we provide very helpful guidelines for the slow controlled introduction to keep our horses safe and healthy.
Horses that always live outside have the benefit of mother nature's slow introduction to grass as it grows through the first weeks of spring. Horses living in stalls with only partial day turnout have to be more strictly controlled in their introduction to pasture to prevent the serious trouble that can occur with too much fresh grass too quickly. Over indulgence in grass can result in gas colic and laminitis. So what can you do to protect your horse from the potential hazards of too much grass too quickly?
Here are guidelines to assist you in coming up with a pasture introduction plan:
Horses on 2-12 hours a day of pasture:
If you have limited pasture but still want your horse to reap the benefits of daily turnout you probably fall into this category. Most horses in a boarding situation with access to grass will be in this group. Take care to closely follow a pre-determined time scale of introduction for these horses. We recommend the following graduated schedule:
Days 1-3: 20 min/day
Days 4-6: 1hr/day
Days 6-9: 2 hrs/day
Days 10-12: 3 hrs/day
Day 13 and beyond: unlimited in horses who are not overweight or sensitive.
You can also use a grazing muzzle (see below) if you need to introduce pasture more rapidly. With a grazing muzzle you can add 20 min per day of turnout until on full turnout. Once on full turn out keep muzzle on for about a week then alternate every other day for a week then it should be safe to remove the grazing muzzle.
