What is Equine Allergic Dermatitis? Equine Allergic Dermatitis is the skin’s reaction to an environmental irritant. Allergies are generally caused by the body’s over-reaction to a non-harmful substance. Common causes of allergy across species include pollen, molds and insect bites. Researchers are not completely sure why some allergies occur, but it could be due to genetics or a faulty immune system. In horses, hypersensitivity to fly and mosquito bites is usually to blame. Symptoms Signs can include hives - those itchy, raised bumps. Horses may kick at themselves and bite their skin – sometimes to the point where they bleed. Rubbing affected areas on fence posts or water buckets can also provide temporary relief but can severely damage the skin. Some of the “wheals” can resemble donuts – a raised ring of swelling and inflammation with a “pit” in the center. These poor horses are often irritable and can be difficult to ride.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:40:33 +0000
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