Sweet itch and pregnancy question?

[Lill]

Meg gets bad sweet itch usually rubs her mane and tail out but she had her colt about 2 weeks ago and we were wondering if her being pregnant has put a stop to her sweet itch this year? Is that possible? Can't think of anything else that has changed and she doesn't seem to be scratching or anything so far?!

 

[samp]

I have not heard of that, I have heard that it is hereditary and therefore your foal may also suffer

 

[Lill]

Ahh but its not hereditary! This is Meg's 3rd foal and neither her 1st foal or her 2nd foal have/had sweet itch so we are not hugely concerned by that!

 

[samp]

I was told that it was by my vet, well I think there is a 50/50 chance. I know my luck if I bred from Lotti the foal would get it. Though if it has cured your horses may be worth looking at lol

 

[Shilasdair]

I believe that there is a hereditary component, but it's multifactorial (woooo big word for me). And yes, I think hormones levels are linked to sweet itch...and that steroids or corticosteroids can reduce the itchiness....but don't know the details, sorry.
S

 

[Chambon]

I am following this thread with interest!

I have a homebred mare that I would love to put in foal but she suffers from sweetitch symptoms so I have never bred from her.

I do know of a popular stallion standing at public stud that suffers from sweetitch, it hasn't put any mare owners off though!

 

[Lill]

I would put her in foal! Its too early to tell yet whether Meg's 3rd foal has sweetitch or not (fingers crossed he hasn't) but her first 2 were fine no symptoms of sweetitch at all. And now she herself looks a whole lot better with a full mane and tail! Am hoping its cured it lol!