Hives & Flaky Skin

[lozza_cook]

Just before christmas my new horse (had about 6 weeks at that point) came up in Hives. He was on Haylage, Alfa-A, Lo-cal, Farriers Formula and Garlic. The haylage he had been given that day was a bit mouldy. He was being turned out for a few hours but not in work due to sore back and being treated by Physio.

Removed everything other than Haylage and Alfa-A, Didn't seem to get much better so changed to Hay and Alfa-A only and gave some anti-histamine and it pretty much went away.

Still on hay and alfa-a and now his skin especially on neck has gone v. flakey. Hasn't been in work due to weather

just read something about horses being allergic to alfa-a. Any ideas? Is it usual after Hives for the skin to go flakey or should I remove alfa-a from diet to see if that improves?

At dealer he was fed small amount of mix and hi-fi or alfa can't exactly remember and haylage. I keep him on straw but he was also on straw by dealer.

He is a 4 yo chestnut gelding, wb x irish.
Thanks for any help.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Worth ringing the dealer and/or the previous owner to see what he was fed. Also, if there's been some sort of reaction, it may be a day or two before the full range of symptoms appear. Also, you have to give any changes you make time to work through his system, eg a week. If you make a major change, then after a day think it's not working so make another major change, you won't know what's helping and what isn't. Good luck x

 

[Marchtime]

I'd take him off the alfa-a but then I'm not a huge fan of it but my two TBs are definitely very sensitive to it. I also agree with Box of Frogs and would try ringing the dealer and seeing what he had. Good luck.

 

[H's mum]

Just a thought - what's he bedded down on?
Lots of horses are allergic to barley straw and come up in hives - I know mine does!

If he's been spending more time in his stable due to the weather this could be why?
Definitely an allergic reaction to something though - so it's a process of elimination for you - it'll take time but it'll be worth doing!
Kate x