I suspect our loan pony may have sweet itch

[billylula]

He has been terribly itchy since the Spring. He will rub on any available surface, he's ripped holes in the fly rugs we bought him. He is rubbing his mane and tail to bits. We've tried all fly sprays etc that people have recommended. Just leading him earlier today and he was stamping and shaking and thrashing about. I've just seen that he has a bare graze on his front which my daughter says he must have caught on something but I suspect he has nibbled himself raw

He's 7. I need to ring the owner but before I do I'd just like some opinions as this is our first pony. Thank you.

 

[DuckToller]

If he does everything else that you require, I would buy him a decent sweet itch rug like a boett or one similar. There is one on ebay which is size 0 - ideal I think for a mini which I spotted today - might be ideal!

Sometimes certain fields are worse for midges especially ones near woodland, so it might be that he has developed it since coming to you.

Just off to see vet, will offer more help later!

 

[OFG]

it does sound as if it could be sweet itch.

Pony I have on loan has it and I was using Kill Itch but he got so sensative that I had to stop using it. Now use a combination of aqueous cream (Tesco's own brand), a fly replenant gel for his face and a fly spray (all over his body / legs and then on top of his fly rug)

Seems to be working well and have minimal scratching; although on very muggy evenings when midges are really bad then he still throws himself around.

You just need to avoid having him out in field early morning / evenings (have even got into habit of turning out after 10pm on occassion).

Have a word with the owner - I assume nothing was mentioned to you before about potential SI?