Allergic to grass?

[Tempi]

once again nothing to do with either of my two horses (who would both happil stuff grass all day long and not be effected by it!)

But when my friend brings her gelding in from the field it comes in with massive hard lumps on either side of its face where its glads are behind the cheek bone.

There is only grass in the field, no weeds/hedges etc as its a bit section off for the horse as he gets individual turnout.

before she brought him he hadnt been turned out for over two years, not something that i agree with i might add. Shes been introducing him to turnout and grass gradually and hes currently only going out 3 days a week for about 6 hours at a time because of what seems like an allergy to grass. Shes getting the vet out tomorrow (shes away today and tonight) and it eats haylage/hard feed fine with no reaction.

Thoughts please!

 

[AmyMay]

Excess saliva which fills up the glands (paritoid I think). Usually result of spring grass, grass flush or excess water in grass.

Nothing to worry about and not an allergic reaction.

 

[Tempi]

thats ok then!! she was really worried as hes worth a small fortune

(well a large fortune actually!!)

So even tho there isnt much grass at the moment its more than likely to be the cause? is that because hes just not used to eating grass then? (sorry to sound thick, ive never really seen this before!)

 

[AmyMay]

It's most definately the grass - and probably because it's so wet. Is there quite a good pick in the field??

The first time Amy had it I rang the vet and told them she had strangles!!!!!

So stupid, I was very embarrassed!!

 

[Tempi]

yes and thinking about it its only got really bad since we've had loads of rain so i think you are most definately right!! thanx again!! x

 

[brighteyes]

Phew! Thank the Lord for this lot (Amymay, et al) I have had similar myself (well, horsey has had) and now I won't worry any more.

 

[kick_On]

This happens to one of my boys. Older boys was on box rest as you know and for the past couple of days, and his potches (sp) have been huge, it's down to grass and thats their still goodness in grass. It's always a shock to see at first but they down by morning so i know it grass

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Definately just the grass - My mare has looked like a hamster for the last week and she is on very restricted turnout as she is completely intollerant to sugar (does horrible things to her digestion)!!!! She normally only gets it in th Spring, but its sooo mild the grass seems to have flushed again.