lycra rugs and hoods any good for sweetitch

[curio]

My horse is really itchy iam not sure if he has sweet itch but he rubs his head, mane and tail, I have been looking at the snuggy hoods and noticed they are similar to the lycra rugs which are cheaper
would one of these work well for sweet itch ? instead
thanks

 

[Natch]

You need one which is specifically for sweet itch - most flies, including midges can bite through normal lycra hoods, and they're awful for hot weather (and cold, come to think of it).

Word of advice though, go with a different brand.. snuggy hoods sweet itch hoodies caused all three horses I knew of wearing them to lose their tails to a sore, weeping mass, as well as lots of mane loss (definately due to the rug not the sweet itch) - and two didn't even have the tail covering fastened up.

I have only ever used Boett, but that was because it was the only brand available at the time. I would highly recommend them though. But first if you're not sure about the diagnosis, I would definately get your vet out to check, and talk to them about the treatment options, as prevention is only one way.