Hives

[Horsegirl25]

Slightly stressed about my boys hives, think he has taken a reaction to a respiratory supplement he’s not had it since Monday night and Tuesday night I came down he was covered in hives fast forward to this morning they are still there and seem to be getting worse rather than better.
Phoned the vets last night to query how many antihistamines I could give him but unfortunately she said it was illegal for her to advise me to buy human medication and they would need to visit and give steroids. At the time I was unsure if it warranted a visit, I’ve never had a horse that’s had a reaction before and looking at photos online people seem to have had much worse. I’ve attached photos - does anyone think this warrants a vet visit?
He had 8 cetirizine last night but I feel like this didn’t do much if anything.
The vet did say it could take 1 week for them to go down especially with the heat etc, my concern is more they seem to be getting worse rather than better.

First 3 photos are last night before antihistamines, last 2 photos were this morning

 

[Comet1]

Mine suffers with bad allergies and has 10x cetirizine twice daily (on vet’s advice) for a 550-600kg horse.

I have found that if he’s had a bad flare-up and I’ve needed to up the amount given, it does take about 36 hours to notice an improvement in him so it might just be too soon.

 

[GypsGal1718]

I would get the vet out just to be safe, does he seem uncomfortable?

 

[Horsegirl25]

I would get the vet out just to be safe, does he seem uncomfortable?

Thankfully he is none the wiser that they are there, they don't seem to be itchy either. Eating/ drinking normally and temp also normal. I am swaying more towards getting them out, I worry that it will be a waste of time for them if they think they aren't actually bad compared to others.

 

[GypsGal1718]

It’s good he isn’t bothered by them, maybe send the vet a picture

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Slightly stressed about my boys hives, think he has taken a reaction to a respiratory supplement he’s not had it since Monday night and Tuesday night I came down he was covered in hives fast forward to this morning they are still there and seem to be getting worse rather than better.
Phoned the vets last night to query how many antihistamines I could give him but unfortunately she said it was illegal for her to advise me to buy human medication and they would need to visit and give steroids. At the time I was unsure if it warranted a visit, I’ve never had a horse that’s had a reaction before and looking at photos online people seem to have had much worse. I’ve attached photos - does anyone think this warrants a vet visit?
He had 8 cetirizine last night but I feel like this didn’t do much if anything.
The vet did say it could take 1 week for them to go down especially with the heat etc, my concern is more they seem to be getting worse rather than better.

First 3 photos are last night before antihistamines, last 2 photos were this morning

When a livery here got hives we showered him. Don't tell the chemist who it is for , that is what i do

 

[Jambarissa]

My vet just told me to give antihistamines, 12 twice a day for a 600kg.

She did want to try steroids but it's a lami risk and last option as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Jambarissa]

I buy mine here, £7 for 360 tablets. I bought 5 lots!

If you're bathing an oatmeal shampoo is good. There's an Aveno one.

 

[Jambarissa]

Cetirizine 10mg Hayfever Allergy Relief 360 Tablets - Caplet Pharmacy

(Brands May Vary)

caplet-pharmacy.com

 

[Shoei]

My horse struggles with allergies and hives. I second the advice for human antihistamines, sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for them to dry up and they can look awful! We have never got to the bottom of what causes Chester's... I think numerous things but there is certainly something when he is grazing

 

[Horsegirl25]

Thank you everyone, I went to the chemist last night and got a packet of 30 cetrizine for £3 (!!) I think I have probably given less than he is able to have, I read 10mg per 50kg of their weight?
I thought best air on the side of caution since the vet wouldn't advise on a dose at all. I am concerned that it may make breathing hard for him? is that a thing? That being said he is showing 0 signs of respiratory distress..

 

[Horsegirl25]

Vet phoned, she is happy with him just having antihistamines the now as thankfully they don't seem so inflamed this afternoon.
Now off to the chemist to buy a couple packs till my online bulk buy comes lol

 

[Marigold4]

Have you taken his temperature? My horse came out in hives when he had a virus and a high temperature.

 

[Horsegirl25]

Have you taken his temperature? My horse came out in hives when he had a virus and a high temperature.

Temp normal and well in himself. Think it is something in a supplement I fed him, he has reacted to supplements before but not this extreme. Not sure what ingredient it is he reacts to but it must be something in both these supplements.