does sedation affect the results of skin allergy tests?

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lucymay9701

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Hi everyone, I just wondered if anyone knew this? The vet is looking into my horse having skin allergy tests and also whether sedation would affect the results as it would be impossible to do her without sedation. I'm just desperate to find out if it will as coming to the end of things to try for my itchy horse. She's had biopsies, scrapes, blood allergy testing, steroids. Is presently on equifeast fightback but hasn't helped, just about to try nettle. Was thinking of trying spirulina but doubt she'll eat it from what I've read. But if anyone had any experiences of skin allergy tests and sedation I'd be grateful to hear them! I thought she'd have to go to leahurst for them but my vet is finding out if she can get the kit to do it here which would be much better. Thanks for any help x
 
My daughter's horse had intensive investigation for a skin complaint as a 4 year old. He was sedated for biopsies and scrapings, tests were carried out at an equine hospital. Results were returned negative, however this was not because of sedation. He was diagnosed with pemphigus, an autoimmune disease, which is notoriously difficult to diagnose. He was extremely itchy all over and covered in scurf. When on steroids (very high dose) he was fine, when weaned off the symptoms returned, he also lost condition and his hooves deteriorated. I wouldn't give your horse anything that will boost her immune system in case it is an auto immune response as her immune system will be in overdrive. In desperation I requested that my vet refer me to a homeopathic vet, which after much research she felt was the best way forward. Long story short - horse weaned off steroids, started on homeopathic remedies and cured. This was several years ago, no ill effects and a very successful completion career. Google Tim Couzens, very well known homeopathic vet. It was him that my vet spoke to to get referral. Hope you get to a diagnosis and cure soon.
 
Thanks so much for your reply. That is really helpful, the equifeast fightback is meant to boost the immune system so maybe in fact is making her worse. These things always sound great when you read the reviews and I thought it would do the trick from the feedback but hasn't made a difference. I guess like with everything what works for one won't necessarily for another. Thanks for the tip on the homeopathy - will have a look at that. x
 
Just make sure if you decide to try the homeopathy route, that you consult an actual vet that practices homeopathy. Each individual will be treated differently. Initial consultation is expensive but remedies are very cheap. Don't understand the science of it, neither did my regular vet. Was a bit shocked when she agreed to refer but so lucky that she was open minded. Good luck x
 
I can't help with your question but have you been through her diet with a fine toothed comb? Excluding things such as alfalfa, concentrates, grass etc? Also mineral deficiency or imbalance? A Cushings test is another thought along with lotions and potions or bedding.
 
Soya is also notorious for causing itching, so I would check her feed for anything related to soya or byproducts (soy hulls, meal etc)

Another thing which can cause itching is liver related issues. Have you have a liver panel done?
 
Thanks for the replies. I've just got her on a really basic diet now of just chop, dried grass, speedibeet and linseed with progressive earth probalance. I've tried eliminating all of those things aswell to see if that helps but no luck although if we add anything like cubes, alfalfa she does seem to be worse. We've tried changing bedding aswell. She's had loads of blood tests including the liver panel although is due a repeat cushing's test as she has been borderline cushing's before. I'm starting to wonder if trying the proper medication for cushings maybe an option that would help her even if she's only borderline again. My worry is if it doesn't help the itching can she come off the meds once she's started on them as she has no other symptoms of cushings at the moment. She has had the odd things over the last couple of years that we've wondered if are cushings related but since being on chasteberry has done well but maybe this itching is linked. The vet is repeating the cushings test soon aswell. The only problem is she's on steroids at the moment so we need to make sure they are well out of her system before any tests. Thanks again x
 
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I have no experience of intradermal skin tests in horses, but in dogs then only certain sedatives are used to perform the test as some can affect the results, yes.
 
Thanks ann- jen, just wondering if anyone has had the intradermal skin tests on horses without sedation? Just read an article that made it sound like all horses are sedated for it so now I'm hoping its OK, maybe they can only use a certain sedative or dose though.x
 
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