Possible reaction to citronella...any vets here??

[DragonSlayer]

(Also in NL)

I sprayed my mare today with my home-made fly spray, that good 'ole recipe once found in Your Horse magazine....

She went and rolled today, then came over to us and started stamping whilst we were poo-picking....I thought she had a horse fly attached....but couldn't see one, and she was getting more and more agitated.....

Then on closer inspection, on her left side and left flank, parts of her fur were rising, and on touching, 100's of bumps!!!!

Obviously giving her grief, I thought she must have rolled on a red ants nest, but went to see where she had rolled, and saw nothing but the grass was long......

So I put on her headcollar and sis-in-law washed her down, which she seemed to like, and I lathered on the sudocream, and after a few minutes, she wasn't as stressed, and by the time I left later, althought the bumps were still there, she was grazing and just kicking at herself every now and then.

Bumps are about gone now....and Tia is much happier....

I've used this on her before, but then went to shop bought, but in these lean times, decided to use it again. I've been using it now for a couple of days, and last year on all my horses...but never had this reaction before....and only in this part of her body, nothing on the otherside, of her neck and legs, or underneath her belly....

So, as it was localised, and where she had rolled, is it likely to be nasty red ants, or a possible allergic reaction to the citronella.....?

Thoughts and opinons please!

 

[popularfurball]

If one sided I'd vote with ants

 

[Mike007]

Ants or wasps.Try a small patch wit the citronella mix to check however.

 

[dunthing]

My sister's Welsh/TB/arab gelding had an allergic reaction to citronella in flyspray. His neck went slightly scabby and itchy overnight. She sponged it with water, dried him and put some cream on and the next morning, it was looking a lot better. Can't recall which cream she used though. Her highland mare has much thicker coat and skin and doesn't react to any lotions or potions.

 

[ellie_e]

If it was the citronella you would expect the lumps to be not just on oneside or in one area, therfore i think it is more likely to be something else.