Connemara with very itchy mouth

[CelieJ23]

Hi to all, my 5yr old Connemara has started having a very itchy mouth, began a couple of months ago and it occurs about 40 minutes into a ride when she starts shaking her head. I get off in the end and scratch inside her mouth hard with a rough glove. She is fine for 20 mins or so then gets distressed again. She has a Myler copper bit with roller which she has responded well to previously. Teeth checked and vet says possibly lampas which he has seen in grey horses but no real idea what is going on. She snorts a lot on the ride too. Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you.

 

[be positive]

Allergy to copper? people can be so not totally unlikely that a horse can be sensitive to it, that would be the first thing to change.

 

[_HP_]

Sounds like an allergy either to the bit or pollens etc. perhaps try a nose net to see if it makes a difference?
Also, Connies are known to have a low palate and so perhaps the bit is too chunky for her mouth?

 

[CelieJ23]

Allergy to copper? people can be so not totally unlikely that a horse can be sensitive to it, that would be the first thing to change.

Thank you, I know she likes the slimline Myler with a roller so will bit wrap it to hide the copper and see what happens.

 

[CelieJ23]

Sounds like an allergy either to the bit or pollens etc. perhaps try a nose net to see if it makes a difference?
Also, Connies are known to have a low palate and so perhaps the bit is too chunky for her mouth?

The vet mentioned pollens too so maybe a nose net would be good, I will try that thank you. The slim Myler with roller is the only bit she has not complained about so feel sure that it is still a good choice for her, hope so! Thank you for your reply.

 

[CelieJ23]

So far I have tried wrapping the Myler bit with vet wrap, this did not stop her itching. I then rubbed the bit with Bit Balm and I think it did make a difference, she didn't demand a mouth rub when I got off. Will keep on with this for a while and see.

 

[Leo Walker]

Change bit to one with a differnt mouthpiece? If shes happier when its not in contact with her mouth it might be that simple. Copper tastes vile! Give the mouthpiece a lick and you will see :lol:

 

[CelieJ23]

Change bit to one with a differnt mouthpiece? If shes happier when its not in contact with her mouth it might be that simple. Copper tastes vile! Give the mouthpiece a lick and you will see :lol:

I will do that FrankieCob! Will wash it first though. She has decided that the bit wrap is rather nice to chomp on so that might have to go too.