Ok, I think my pony has sweet itch.?

Question

I was wondering if after I have treated it if it will go away for the reast of the summer or if I have to treat her all summer. We do not ride her with a saddle. But my daughter dose drive her and I need it gone before the end of August. Also will my other 2 horses get it to? They are not with her right now. They come home in the fall but they where in with her when she was itching. thanks.

Answer 1

If it is truly sweet itch and not pasture fungus or caused by an allergic reaction ect it should go away when treated but may come back.

Sweet itch is caused by a reaction to small bugs called midges. The main thing on curing it (well there's no cure but to clear it up) is to keep the midges or gnats away. Many  products are on the market to repel insects from horses you need to get one that not only repels them but soothes the area already there. So I'd recommend putting on a soothing cream on the affected areas then covering all over with a good quality fly spray. I personally prefer Endure Spray for the body and Endure Roll On for the face, muzzle and ears.

Since Sweet Itch is actually caused by an allergy it will probably return each spring unless you keep a very close watch and aggressive method of treating it beforehand. Many owners use fly sheets, fly masks and even fly boots along with the fly sprays to keep it at bay.

Answer 2

If it is actually sweet itch ( and not some fungal infection or something else) then the others will not catch it because it is an allergy not a disease.

it is an allergy to the bites of the Culicoides midges ( you know the ones - no see ums etc) and the only treatments are sprays, lotions and food additives ( unless you want to consult with your vet on the subject of anti-histamine shots)

The reaction makes the pony itch like crazy and then the area gets infected and oozy making the poor creature even more miserable. treat the wounds with a good antimicrobial scrub (chlorhexidine gluconate)  apply zinc and castor oil cream and the best fly spray you can get.

Special rugs are available for sufferers and have varying degrees of success, I have little experience with rugs as mine can't wear them. I go with the food additive method ( in theory it's supposed to make them taste bad to the insects, as it always seems to be the fact that those animals that have this allergy are the ones who just seem to attract the blasted things) I add garlic and a good spoonful of Marmite ( concentrated yeast extract) to my pony's feed each day. So far this year he has few bites and has actually managed to keep his mane and tail intact ( Yay !!)

Unfortunately treatment is ongoing and tends to be required from early Spring to late Autumn.

Answer 3

Insect repellents can be applied to the mane and tail region. Benzyl benzoate is one that is commonly used. Preparations with citronella are also effective as a deterrent.

Certain drugs are also used in the systemic treatment of the symptoms of sweet itch. Anti-histamines are used but results are variable. Corticosteroids are very effective at reducing the signs of itch. Oral prednisolone can be effective when given as alternate day therapy. However with all usage of corticosteroids they can inrease the risk of inducing laminitis in the horse.

I am not sure, however, how long it may take for the symptoms to clear up, but you should probably treat her now and continue as needed.  It is possible for your other horses to get it, but I don't believe it is contagious.  It comes from midges.

Answer 4

Sweet Itch is caused by the no-see-ums.

Normally in the lighter colored horses.

Insecticide and other precautions can help alleviate the itch.

My guy is a Perlino Paint.  Pink Skin...blue eyes.

He had it so bad that he rubbed a 6 inch section of his mane bare.   The dock of his tail (the top 4-6 inches) was bare too.

He rubbed allllll morning and alllllll evening long.

After giving him a medicated bath (rinsing extra to ensure ridding of soap residue) , roaching his mane (it was a mess) and treating him with insecticides (Poridon massaged into his mane and tail)  and having him on cortisone injections to help with the itch,  we did this:

1.  Never turned out at dusk or at dawn.  This is when the no-see-ums are at their worst.

2.  Stalled with a fan

3.  Fan in the shelter so their is relief there (til this day he uses his fan when bugs are attacking him)

4.  Fly spray (Flysect and Tri-tech are best) rubbed in daily...thoroughly doused! Used so much I have to make my own to save $

he is now ok..no more itching.  The fans are key!

he is no longer stalled, has free choice shelter.  The fan (industrial now) is on from morning til after nightfall.

He uses it all of the time.

Sprayed once a day.