Post by IH Health on Jul 31, 2009 14:40:31 GMT 1
Sweet Itch
Also known as
Queensland Itch, Summer Itch, Culicoides Hypersensitivity
What is it?
Sweet Itch is an allergic reaction to the bite of Culicoides midges. It mainly affects cobs and native breeds but has been seen in others. The areas affected are normally the mane, neck, back and tail and can lead to horses rubbing themselves raw if left untreated.
Causes
The main cause is an allergic reaction to the saliva of midges, specifically Culicoides. IgE (an antibody produced by the horse’s system) is released in response to the reaction which causes massive amounts of histamine an cytokines which makes the skin inflamed and itchy. Allergic dermatitis may also be a cause.
Symptoms
* Uncontrollable itching
* Inflammation
* Open sores on the mane, neck, back and tail from excessive itching
* Bumpy skin
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is from the vet through review of the symptoms and possible skin scrapings and blood tests.
Treatment
The best form of treatment is preventative – insecticides and repellents (like benzyl benzoate) are suggested to keep flies away from the horses, as are the use of fly rugs/masks such as the Boett rug. Trials are currently being done of a sweet itch vaccine, the preliminary results of which should be released shortly. There is also anecdotal evidence on the use of linseed oil and fatty acid supplementation may be beneficial. Stabling during dawn and dusk, when midges are most active can also help.
If the horse is already symptomatic, antihistamines and or antibiotics can be prescribed (antibiotics if there is a secondary infection). Sulphur, geranium, aloe vera, lavender oil, thuja and camrosa cream are all mentioned as products that may aid and soothe the skin
Websites (click on title for link)
The National Sweet Itch Centre
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Sweet Itch Question
Hair loss?
Neem Oil/Stop-it-all field tests
Reminder of RA Hannah Rose Sweet Itch Cure
Who has a pagony?
Horsefly hell
Sweetitch boffins
Is this sweet itch
Best cure for sweet itch
Managing sweet itch
Sweet itch?
Pagony rugs v boett v other sweet itch rugs
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
Also known as
Queensland Itch, Summer Itch, Culicoides Hypersensitivity
What is it?
Sweet Itch is an allergic reaction to the bite of Culicoides midges. It mainly affects cobs and native breeds but has been seen in others. The areas affected are normally the mane, neck, back and tail and can lead to horses rubbing themselves raw if left untreated.
Causes
The main cause is an allergic reaction to the saliva of midges, specifically Culicoides. IgE (an antibody produced by the horse’s system) is released in response to the reaction which causes massive amounts of histamine an cytokines which makes the skin inflamed and itchy. Allergic dermatitis may also be a cause.
Symptoms
* Uncontrollable itching
* Inflammation
* Open sores on the mane, neck, back and tail from excessive itching
* Bumpy skin
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is from the vet through review of the symptoms and possible skin scrapings and blood tests.
Treatment
The best form of treatment is preventative – insecticides and repellents (like benzyl benzoate) are suggested to keep flies away from the horses, as are the use of fly rugs/masks such as the Boett rug. Trials are currently being done of a sweet itch vaccine, the preliminary results of which should be released shortly. There is also anecdotal evidence on the use of linseed oil and fatty acid supplementation may be beneficial. Stabling during dawn and dusk, when midges are most active can also help.
If the horse is already symptomatic, antihistamines and or antibiotics can be prescribed (antibiotics if there is a secondary infection). Sulphur, geranium, aloe vera, lavender oil, thuja and camrosa cream are all mentioned as products that may aid and soothe the skin
Websites (click on title for link)
The National Sweet Itch Centre
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Sweet Itch Question
Hair loss?
Neem Oil/Stop-it-all field tests
Reminder of RA Hannah Rose Sweet Itch Cure
Who has a pagony?
Horsefly hell
Sweetitch boffins
Is this sweet itch
Best cure for sweet itch
Managing sweet itch
Sweet itch?
Pagony rugs v boett v other sweet itch rugs
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.