Mites

[MyLuckyStar]

Could anyone please advise me of the best way to control mites?

Paddy has had them before but at the moment (touch wood) he is free. When he had them last Summer he was on straw but has been changed to shavings since then.

He has his legs hibiscrubbed and frontlined every week.

With the up coming show season I'm in the process of growing his feathers back and want to keep on top of the mites at the same time

 

[Dizzydancer]

I think that is the best bet to continue with what you are doing. flea spray is the ideal although you need to be able to get it onto the skin so once the feathers are back it may be a bit more difficult. That is the best method i have known for getting rid, or if he starts up with them you can have the injection from vets that kills them.

 

[Luciejjkk]

My boy used to suffer terribly with mites but he has now been fully feathered for a year and a half and seems to be coping okay.

I wouldnt be front lining weekly, I think that is too much. I front line mine monthly.

The detramax injection (course of 3) that the Vets use is very effective and that normally only needs to be done yearly.

Other than that, there isnt a lot else other than keeping off straw (which you already do)

Also, wormers that have invermectin in help with mites

There are loads of lotions and potions about but I dont think any are as effective as the detramax and front line to be honest.

Pig oil and sulphur mix is also good

 

[Sam22]

When treating mites, you must treat the whole environment as well. This means removing the straw and disinfecting the stable, washing all rugs and grooming kit and anything that touches the horse. I always use the dectomax injections and I second that you should be careful using that much frontline - the safe dose is not known in the horse. Another good product is dermolene insecticidal shampoo which is more suitable for frequent use than hibi scrub. Indorex spray (used in the house to get rid of fleas) also kills mites and is useful for those difficult to reach cracks in the stable. If you don't want to wash the rugs you can use it to spray inside them. Same directions as for carpets then leave for an hour or until completely dry before putting back on the horse. Sometimes other horses in contact will carry very low numbers of mites and be a source of reinfection so must also be checked carefully.

 

[Walrus]

Mine had feather mites and there's no way I was chopping any feather off if I could help it. I frontlined a few times over the summer and it seemed to help but never fully resolved the problem. My pony had the Dectomax injection (2 injections 10 days apart) in November and so far (touch wood) the results are brilliant. My vet also recommended pig oil and sulphur which I have been applying to his front legs weekly (ish). Also, becuase he had lots of scabs behind his knees my vet told me to keep them moisturised as they are on the joint everytime he moves his legs they get disturbed and crack etc. He said if I kept them moisturised it would help - I've been putting dermagel on them about every 5 days and they are clearing up nicely now.

 

[traceyann]

IV just started using pig oil and sulphur and my horse has had mites for years he not stamped since using it be carefull though my horse has very pink skin and his legs swell a little after putting it on three days later are normal size now

 

[daisalph]

Could anyone please advise me of the best way to control mites?

Paddy has had them before but at the moment (touch wood) he is free. When he had them last Summer he was on straw but has been changed to shavings since then.

He has his legs hibiscrubbed and frontlined every week.

With the up coming show season I'm in the process of growing his feathers back and want to keep on top of the mites at the same time

The best and gentlest treatment by far is benzyl benzoate but get it from a reputable source in an emulsion form in the right dilution e.g. killitch, sweet relief, ascabiol etc
It's also good for hair growth.

 

[monikirk]

Pig oil and sulphur from Sussex cobs on ebay. I paint it on my friesian with a big brush every few weeks. Keeps his legs itch free and removes any scabby bits plus keeps mud off. I've never noticed any swelling on my horse.

 

[Black_Horse_White]

I too recommend the injection, my new boy had them quite bad when I brought him. His legs were really sore especially the back of his knees, he wouldn't let me touch them. Less than a week after it was done there was a vast improvement his scabs have nearly all gone and he is now due for his second one. Then I will have it done every year when he has his vaccinations. It's brilliant in my opinion.