Mild Sweet itch!

[Nonyabusiness]

My horse has developed a small thinning patch on the top of her tail.... noticed it a while ago thought it may have been mites.... was later told its sweet itch.. there are white small flakes in the area that has thinned. was advised to use soaked nettles! b4 i start spending mega £ on sweet itch products. also used natrual yoghurt to improve hair growth... which seems to be working.

anyway whats the best thing to do deal with it... noticed now with hot weather shes not so keen on her tail being touched or brushed... so its bothering her now.

 

[CBFan]

I find feeding brewers yeast a real deterrent for flies. you could also try applying some wonder gel to the top of her tail. it is soothng and a fly repellent. also invest in a fly rug. even a cheap one - so long as it covers the top of her tail will do.

Ensure her diet is as low in sugar as possible and that she isn't on too much lush grass. They don't call it sweet itch for nothing!

 

[cobalobM]

neem oil works wonders

 

[HazyXmas]

I've got a mare with mild sweet itch, hates wearing a fly rug as is very into grooming with her friend! Anyway, i've have found the following combination of things have really helped this year:

A very, very low sugar diet. Twice a day she has 1/3 scoop Dengie No Added sugar chaff. 1/3 scoop of very liquid Speedie beet, Baileys Lo-cal balancer, micronized linseed, salt & 1/4 scoop oats when eventing.
Limited turnout, between 3-6 hours depending on work (more turnout on days off) & grass conditions.
She's never been good at having sprays or lotions put on, but i find that Pig oil & sulphur has really helped. I coat the mane & top of her tail & leave on for 24 hours before i wash it off, i do this about twice a week. It is awfully greasy but keeps the skin soft & smooth & seems to stop the midges biting.

She's much happier this year & has a full mane & tail

Good luck with your horse, hope you get it under control.

 

[Whisp]

Brewers yeast, fly rug and an electric fenced paddock.

Good luck

 

[Dashing Dales]

Oh no I feel so bad for you. Sweet itch is horrible I used to buy Benzyl Benzoate (i think thats how you spell it) which worked a treat from the pharmacy but you cant get it from there anymore unless you say you have scabies! Thank goodness I found Killitch at my local tack shop (as it has Benzyl Benzoate in it). It is a bit more expensive but worth every penny. Saves me a hefty vet bill. A good boett rug and fly spray works a treat (i use carr day martin extra strength fly spray as it is so strong and lasts all day). my horse can still play out and be sweet itch free!!! yey! Works for my darling anyway.