Horse Allergies
An allergy reaction is caused by a foreign protein, or allergen, that invades the horse's immune system and triggers the release of histamine and other substances that result in self-injury. This is called a hypersensitivity reaction. The skin and respiratory tract are the targets for allergic symptoms in horses.
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Insect Allergies
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Flies, mites, ticks, lice, gnats and mosquitoes are insect parasites that can irritate and injure a horse. Most of them are bloodsucking. The mouth parts of the biting flies, in particular, tear the skin and do considerable damage. Hypersensitivity reactions occur if the horse is allergic to a substance in the saliva of the insect.
Food Allergies
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According to Dr. Stephen White, DVM, from the Department of Medicine at the University of California, food allergies are rare in horses. To cause a food allergy, the allergen must break through the lining of the intestines to the immune system. For a horse with healthy intestines, this does not usually occur.
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Skin Allergies
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Contact dermatitis occurs around the muzzle, lower legs, feet and in sites having contact with horse tack. Common allergens include dyes and preservatives in horse gear, chemicals in topical insecticides, various plants, and rubber bits.
Symptoms
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Symptoms vary, but can include rubbing and biting of the skin, secondary bacterial infections, hair loss, depression, scabs, skin flakes and lumps under the skin.
Diagnosis
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Identify the allergen by removing the horse from all possible exposure for one to two weeks. If the problem clears up, re-expose the horse to the suspected allergen. If the symptoms return, the diagnosis is established. Once you know the allergen, avoid further exposure.
Treatment
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When an irritating allergen has made contact with the horse's skin, wash the skin gently with warm water to remove all residues. Treat any secondary infection with a topical antibiotic. If hives persist, you can treat the horse with short-acting corticosteroids and antihistamines.
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References
- Photo Credit horse image by michael langley from Fotolia.com
