Clipping allergy

[sufar]

Can anyone advise....
Clipped a new pony, 24hours later the clipped bits, especially neck, had weeping areas, swelling, and were sensitive. No open wounds or able to see exactly where fluid was coming from. Got worse for another 24 hours then gradually settled but took 10 days to completely disappear. Pony was well in herself, eating etc. Treated by washing areas with plain water to remove crusting and keeping covered with rug to stop infection getting in when she rolled. Have been advised she's probably allergic to clipper oil. She will need clipping again this winter, any suggestions what to use instead, would baby oil work with clippers. Has anyone else had similar problem?

 

[ajn1610]

WD40?

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

i have heard of it happening before, i really dont know what can be used as an alternative, maybe hypoallergenic baby oil

 

[milliepops]

I have seen a horse come up in a few lumps after clipping, but not weeping though. I would also expect it was the clipper oil. I don't think I would use WD40, I don't think it's very good for the clippers. I use Barrier clipper oil http://www.barrier-biotech.com/product.php?pid=CO4 and haven't had any problems with it - have clipped about 12 or 15 horses using it in the last couple of years.

Could you do a patch test with the oil a few days before you clip again?

ETA Although it shouldn't irritate the skin I would be a bit wary of using baby oil too as it probably isn't designed to lubricate machines - could end up being an expensive experiment

 

[sufar]

Thanks for suggestions

, will certainly look at Barrier clipper oil. Whatever I use I definitely plan to patch test a couple of days before the full clip - don't want to go through it all again!

Have also tried e-mailing manufacturer of clipper oil but no reply.

 

[TGM]

Did you wash over the clipped areas immediately after clipping with warm soapy water to remove the residue of clipping oil? (I'm sure you know to do this, but just thought I would check just in case!)

 

[TheEngineer]

no no no no no! please not WD40, it is NOT a lubricant, it will kill your clippers and your blades. Would suggest perhaps you try a little clipper oil of a different type on a small patch and see if you get a reaction, all oils are different, some contain biocides to stop cross infection, some contain nothing, some spray oil has high levels of propellant which may cause allergy. What type did you use?

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Baby oil will also trash your clippers. You need to use a special clipper oil that still does its stuff at high temperatures and between very high speed moving parts. Babies tend not to fit that category lol! Immediate warm soapy wash would be my choice though a check to make sure the clippers are clipping properly might be a good idea too x

 

[Steeleydan]

Totally agree with TheEngineer, no no no to WD40 it is NOT designed for clippers it wrecks them. And baby oil is too thick and wont lubricate things that run at a warm temperature.
Did you use clipper oil that is in a spray can??? If you did this contains alcohol so maybe thats the problem. I use Lister clipping oil its in liquid form in a plastic bottle and you just snip the end off. Ive used it for years. One of my clipping customers had a grey that came up in bumps with all the other people that clipped him. So when I do him I use the Lister liquid oil, and when I oil the clippers I wipe the excess oil off before I put them on him and if some oil does go on him I immediatley wipe it of with a towel or cloth(I keep cloth in my pocket). This process can take you longer to clip but it does work. Good luck in what you decide to do keep us posted.

 

[sufar]

I have always used Lister clipper oil (from the plastic bottle). I've been clipping for around 6 years, various ponies, with no problems before now, tho' I have to confess I don't wash off with soapy water, just a very good brush with a body brush to remove loose hair.

With this pony at least I'll be doing it by the book in future, patch test before and wash after! As I said in earlier post, I'll try the Biotech, it looks a good option.

Thanks for advice re: not using baby oil - may have saved me from ruining my clippers!

 

[wonkey_donkey]

Perhaps the blades got too hot ??

 

[sufar]

Don't think blades got too hot as I stop and check them regularly. Also am careful to wipe excess oil off clippers - re-oil frequently. This pony is grey and I suspect she just has very sensitive skin - have only had her 8 weeks.