Very itchy horsey

[GREYSMEADOW]

My big ginger chap is very very itchy under his belly - in between his front legs, girth area etc. He’s so itchy that he stops me from doing anything (ie muck out etc). He’s a bit bonkers at the moment being so very itchy so ever morning I’ve been giving his belly a good scratching to his delight… you should see his facial expressions! There are no bald patches, scores, scabs under his belly either.

He’s not clipped and has just a turn-out rug on (no fill) as it’s been fairly mild. However, the last 2 days and nights he’s been naked. He’s on non heating/low sugar feed, hay (a good-doer) and is currently on the yard with stabling – fields are far too wet at present and my old chap (29 this year) next door goes mental as he just doesn’t want to be turned out for more than 2 hours – so they go out at week-ends during winter months. My boys are on yard turnout with stabling and don’t have their stable door shut.

The itchy ginger one is on rubber matting with deep shavings. I did change to wood pellet bedding but didn’t make any difference. I have moved the haynet into the corner so that he doesn’t waste any hay as it was in the centre of the wall and he used to like ramming his body at it and the hay left on the floor he trampled on and then wouldn’t eat it.

The only thing I can think of is that when he lays down he lays in his pee (and now droppings as they have moved since moving the haynet). I do remove all the pee in the mornings and have now asked the YO to remove in the afternoon. He’s been having a belly wash for the past 2 mornings and afternoons with warm water. I did notice this morning he wasn’t quite so itchy.

Was wondering if anyone had any ideas why he’s so itchy under his belly. Perhaps the clay (soil) is irritating his skin with his pee?!

I have purchased some Vosene (human) shampoo – soothing action and sensitive scalp with frequent anti-dandruff, and I have some Hibiscrub too.

I’m going to use my new Mobi shower on him today – do you think I should just soak his belly with just warm water or wash with Vosene or Hibiscrub.

Your advise would be really helpful. Thanks.

 

[The Bouncing Bog Trotter]

I wouldn't panic too much. Mine are both very itchy at the moment especially under their bellies and we are on heavy clay too. The second the rugs are removed it becomes an itch fest for them both. One is clipped and one isn't. The unclipped girl seems itchier and she keeps mugging me for scratches - to the point that she even lifts her hind leg for me to be able to get in and really itch! The other horses on the yard all seem itchy too. We've attributed it to the milder weather and perhaps the onset of a coat change (although it's a bit early for that). Unless he's rubbing himself raw or has little bumps or visitors in his coat I'd not worry.

 

[GREYSMEADOW]

Thanks rubyredshoes - it does seem that there are now quite a few 'itchy nags on the H&H forum. He was gently hosed off today all his belly/underneath and had a few flying kicks as wasn't sure with my new mobi shower power.

He has now be "Vosened" and didn't appear be cold out in that windy weather this afternoon with a wet undercarriage.... although I did put a LW turnout rug on him tonight. He's quite funny when he's dieing to be scratched - spreads his huge feet (doesn't matter if your feet are in the way 'cos they shouldn't be there according to him) then lifts a hind leg up in the air and taps me on my leg as if to say - "COME ON WOMEN SCRATCH ME".... if only they could talk! They are funny but don't you just love their funny ways and personality.

 

[GREYSMEADOW]

Well after the Vosene wash on Saturday and a rinse off to remove mud on Sunday - the ginger chap is no better and he tries to scratch himself but just can't reach. Plus I keep getting mugged by him for a scratch with the shavings fork - he lovvvves it.

Can any of you recommend any cream or gel or something to reduce the itchness. Do you think I could use that Pink power Virkon. If I clipped his belly do you think that would help?