Itchy mare

[hairymolly]

My mare is very itchy, she has been like this for about a month. I initially thought it was due to her coat changing and was just making sure she was getting a good groom ever day but she is still very itchy. Tonight i noticed that she has a few tiny scabs which are really itchy. Anybody got any ideas?

 

[teddyt]

Lice?

 

[samstar]

I had a loan cob who would suffer with lice and he would get bold patches and his coat would have no shine.

 

[hairymolly]

Can you normally see the wee critters? What colour are they normally?

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Don't know where you are - but is it a bit of rain scald?

Our mini shetland was like that this year - a couple of baths with Lavender wash and scabby bits treated with Gold Label Wonder Gel and its all gone.

 

[samstar]

have a look around the forelock, mane and tail area this is where they usually congregate. Or try a lice comb that you would you on childrens head. They are very tiny and grey like.

 

[hairymolly]

I have been checking her as I was suspicious of beasties of some sort. Cant see anything, she is black so would imagine it would be easyish to spot light coloured beasties. She is not really itchy about mane and tail but where her saddle sits, this is where the scabs are.

She is still wearing a rug so I dont think its rain scald.

Poor mares demented.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Poor girl!!

I know it sounds a bit mad but could she be too hot under her rug?

I would still try washing her with a tea tree shampoo and I would either try Wonder Gel or Aloe Vera gel on the itcy scabby bits and would also give her aloe vera juice in food for a couple of weeks - usually works quickly and well for skin problems.

Hope you find something that works - my cob was really itchy for a summer tried all sorts before trying the aloe in desperation and it worked for her - not been itchy since.

 

[hairymolly]

Thanks folks.

I will give her a bath with tea tree shampoo tomorrow and will buy some aloe vera gel and juice. How much juice do you give them in their feed?

She does have pretty sensitive skin, if it dosent clear up guess I will need to get vet to take scrapings.

I dont think she is too hot, I live on the west coast of scotland and the weather has been pretty stinky here.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

I give mine 2 capfuls twice a day - most bottles from health food shops come with a measuring cap attached.

West Coast of Scotland - no probably not to hot then!!

ETA - 2 capfuls is 50mls

 

[hairymolly]

Thanks will get some tomorrow.

 

[kellyeaton]

lice sweet itch!