Top Spec and itching - related or not?

[cptrayes]

A friend of mine has recently started her horse on Top Spec and at what appears to be the same time he has started getting very itchy. This may be unrelated of course.

Does anyone else have experience of Top Spec having made their horse itchy so that it bites itself?

 

[Rudey]

I recently read an article where someone's horse had the same reaction to your friends as it was allergic to the barley in it's mix! Maybe suggest to your friend to take the top spec out of their horses feed, and see if it makes a difference?? I imagine a vet would be able to do some sort of allegy test if necessary?? xx

 

[horseywelsh]

yes my horse has had similar reactions to some feeds before, he is ok on topspec coolcondition cubes as they contain no concentrates.

 

[cptrayes]

She's using the Top Spec balancer. Any reactions to that, do you know? (I didn't realise they sold more than one product!)

 

[horseywelsh]

we used balancer, noticed reaction, phoned topspec up who advised change to their cool condition cubes, and never had any problems since.

also noted it previously with other companies balancers before trying topspec, it appears my horse is allergic to a concentrate

 

[ladyt25]

I think mine reacts to oats in a similar way to this so it may be that they is barley or oats in the feed. I suggest changing as horseywelsh suggests

 

[Spyda]

Just a thought, he's not suddenly in rugs is he? Know mine have a good rub and scratch when they come in and have their rugs removed in the evening.

 

[cptrayes]

Good thought, but she tens to overrug all year round, so I don't think it's that. His coat does look rougher than it should too.