Horse Allergy

Seasonal or year round, horse allergies can be challenging to diagnose. Allergens, such as pollen, molds, animal hair, insects and foods, cause reactions through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion, according to Spectrum Labs.

Symptoms

According to Horses and Horse Information, some of the most common symptoms for horse allergies is tearing eyes, coughing and raised lumps on the horse's shoulders.

Respiratory Allergies

Respiratory allergies, also known as heaves, is similar to asthma in humans. Some horses display wheezing or even a visible heave line in the area between the flank and the thorax. Weight loss can result if a heaving horse is not treated immediately.

Skin Allergies

The most common equine allergy is skin allergy, which is caused by insect bites and food allergens. Skin allergies appear as hives around the neck and shoulders. Some horses experience fever or itchy skin about 12 to 14 hours after exposed to the allergen.

Bedding Allergies

A ventilated stall is helpful with bedding allergies.

If a horse is allergic to its bedding, replacing it with a rubber mat or shredded paper may solve the problem.

Treatments

According to Bio-Medical Services, horse allergies related to weed, grass, tree pollen, dust mites, foods and mold and dust in hay or straw require an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian for proper treatment. Usually, the best treatment is avoidance of the allergy trigger.

References

• Horses and Horse Information: Horse Allergies: Symptoms, Common Causes & Treatments of an Equine Allergy
• Spectrum Labs: Horsing Around With Allergies
• Bio-Medical Services: Equine Allergies

Resources

• Wow Horses: Horse Allergy