Post by Admin on Aug 4, 2005 13:30:30 GMT 1
Subject : Sweet Itch Forum
From : Hannah
Date : 02.05.05 9:07:00 PM
Its that dreaded time of year again!After forgetting how bad last year was, and being lulled into a false sense of security those flippin midges are attacking my poor horse again.
Thought it would be extremely helpful for everyone with poor suffering ponies to have a thread dedicated to sweet itch where we could swap ideas.
If everyone could put down any products which help them whether it be rug, food supplemnt, fly spray, lotion or stable accessories that would be fantastic. As well as this if you can remember where you got it from that would also be helpful!
I hope this helps some people as know im in need of some new ideas.
thanx,
Hannah xx
P.S. MY TIPS ARE BOETT RUG, AND D-ITCH LOTION FROM NAF. you can get the NAF products in most equestrian places. The boett rugs can be ordered from www.sweetitch.co.uk
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : GB
Date : 02.05.05 9:20:00 PM
I've been using the Boett rug this year, which has helped my pony grow his mane back for the first time in years. I am not certain if he has been rubbing in the field, but if he has then the rug seems to protect his mane and tail. I've never found any of the lotions and potions to be too good on their own but I expect in combination with the rug then they would be more effective.
Interestingly my pony has had to be box rested since he strained a leg, and I've been stabling him without his rug - but he has now started rubbing in the stable! Now whether this is due to the fact the midges come into the stable or he is just rubbing because he has something to rub on, I don't know. I will put the rug back on him and see what happens!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Jill
Date : 02.05.05 9:29:00 PM
Has anyone out there had their horses given the vaccine which the sweetitch centre have been trialling? And how effective has it been? My horse has had it, but his sweetitch doesn't show itself til June, so it's early days, but my friends horse has also had it and has started itching. I have to say she was so much worse than my horse anyway, and talking about it, we're not convinced that there is only one sort of sweetitch - many different horses react in many different ways, and respond differently to treatments. NAF did nothing for my horse, and he trashed a boett by rubbing through it. What does everyone think?
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Hannah
Date : 02.05.05 9:43:00 PM
How do you find out about getting the vaccine?
Naf D-ITCH food supplement controlled it alomost totally one year-the next tub i ordered said 'new improved formula' and after that it didnt touch it! annoying or what?!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : KAS
Date : 02.05.05 10:17:00 PM
Interesting comment about there being more than one sort of sweetitch, I've wondered about that as well. I'm interested in the vaccine as Fin needs help and I really need to avoid using a Boett. He had a nasty accident with a Boett once and we think it is the cause of some of his disturbed behaviour. I'm dousing him in a cocktail of fly repellant at the mo. I want to try Vetrazine, but can't get my hands on any!!
I have also noticed that he seems more sensitive to the fly or midge bites than the others. They obviously all get bitten, but he comes up in loads of lumps where the others only get a few.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From :
Date : 02.05.05 10:30:00 PM
I also use a Boett rug. Its the only thing that works for my pony because he's so severely affected over almost all of his body.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From :
Date : 02.05.05 10:35:00 PM
I also use a Boett rug. Its the only thing that works for my pony because he's so severely affected over almost all of his body.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Sweet itch pro!
Date : 02.05.05 10:54:00 PM
mine is now stabled from before 3pm until 9.30 am every day.
He wears a Rambo Sweet itch Hoody day and night
His stable is inside a barn and the outdoor large window is shut before midges arrive and overnight as well.
This is the first time I will be using stabling as a way of controlling the itch...so far he hasn't even started scrubbing and the lovely mane/tail is still intact...
His face hasn't been attacked and his ears are still hairy lined!
I used to have him out 24/7 with rug and mask and repellent but he was STILL in pieces.
So this year I will be going down the stabling route as I cannot see any other way out for him to avoid being a mess in this summer PS this is his 5th year with me and each year I get better results with him using avoidance rather than letting him stay out like I would want him to.
I am working him harder in the time he isn't stabled and also he is out in the field for those few hours with his buddies but is happy to come when called for riding (- before you all jump down my neck for stabling a horse in the summer for a long time)
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Lesley @ Trallwm Farm
Date : 03.05.05 2:13:00 AM
We have a loan pony that the loaner had the vaccine done and the pony went down with Laminitus. I would be interested in hearing if it has happened to anyone else.
For those trying Vetrazine,how is it going ?
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 03.05.05 4:21:00 AM
Hi, my Vet is very keen on the vaccine route, as it's proved very successful in some cases here in Italy. However, when he saw Orioni last week, reckoned I didn't need to go down that route as we were controlling it well. I went down the Vetrazine route, and to be perfectly honest, don't think it made a huge amount of difference, although it must be remembered that it doesn't control the itching of 'sweet itch' as such, just checks the bott fly/lavae.. I have finished it now, so I bought a well-known equine fly spray and spray 2-3 times a day extensively either side of his crest and down the center of his mane, along his back to the top of his tail and down. Then between his back legs and along his tummy to between his front legs. This routine I have kept up for the last month and I can honestly say that he has grown a mane and tail far longer in this time than in any other time I've had him! I tried the NAF D-Itch supplement and he couldn't stand it and always left it, I've tried garlic, the same, and I've got the NAF D-Itch lotion waiting in the wings for when it all gets really bad....I can't risk putting this lovely sounding Boett rug on him as he lives on a hill-side full of trees and scrubland and would be afraid that he would catch himself on something. So, for me it's just spray, spray, spray all the way.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : sobagirl
Date : 03.05.05 6:59:00 AM
my sisters Highland suffers from xtrememly bad sweetitch. We're beginning to think that some of his scratching behaviour is sycological, because he starts scratching before the midges have even come out! He developed when young after his lifelong friend passed away.
Boett, snuggyhood, every fly spray you can imagine.
The only difference with a rug was that when he scratched it didn't do as much damage.
He's been seen pulling his tummy along the floor like a dig does!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : sobagirl
Date : 03.05.05 7:01:00 AM
should be like a dog does!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : pd
Date : 03.05.05 7:16:00 AM
Like Nikki I tried Vetrazine but I don't think it worked at all for my horse.
Kas - I have some Vetrazine here (Hampshire) if you want to try some but would not be able to post it. I tried it with my vet's approval.
I went back to using his rug rather than risk huge damage. Vetrazine may work on less troubled horses. I feel my horse is troubled with itching by more than just midge bites.
One thing helping so far (fingers crossed) is that I am using Eurax (human cream) on his ears, parts of which are bald. So far it seems to be helping but I need to consult my vet about long term use.
The areas hardest to treat are below his eyes - for fear of rubbing anything into them - and his sheath that he can reach with his teeth for a damaging scratch. Any advice for these areas please? I do use a face mask but it still worries me to use it 24/7.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Hannah
Date : 03.05.05 7:47:00 AM
sobagirl, i agree that some sweetitch behaviour could well be psychological as my horse seems to flick his tail and stamp his feet even when im sure there is nothing around him-however midges are very small! my horse also drags his belly-particularly against his hind leg when lying down.
pd, im in the same position as my pony has has face, both ends of belly and sheath bitten as these are the areas arent covered by the boett. at the moment am putting ditch on them but itstoo runny. thought maybe a coldcream may kil the itch more? what does this Eurax do? Is the boett hood any good? i havent got it as was worried about chances of pulling it over his face as hes a bit of a houdini!
xx
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : pd
Date : 03.05.05 8:09:00 AM
Hi Hannah
The Eurax "stops itching fast" and "works for up to 10 hours. It is for and number of things including insect bites. I'm not sure yet whether the cream and/or its smell is stopping lots of bites or whether the midges that attack the ears haven't appeared yet. But I am managing without a face mask at present - mainly because with all the rubbing he has made his eyes watery (being treated by vet) and I know watery eyes can affect vision.
I have a Boett hood but even with that he manages to rub around the eyes although I think they have added extra protection now. Mine is very old and seemed a very tight fit.
Back to the Eurax - I am going to check with my vet about using it elsewhere if it continues to be effective on his ears.
Talking to a Vet (not from my practice but on another matter) she said a good way to settle these affected areas is to use a steroid cream. Unfortunately you cannot use it long term and I think you must avoid broken skin but it certainly brings relief and recovery - but then it has to be maintained.!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Jude
Date : 03.05.05 8:28:00 AM
We have a lot of midges, and of my 3 horses my young Welsh D - black - seems to attract twice the amount of the other 2. We arent sure if he smells different, if his colour attracts them more, or if he is sweatier being a darker colour. The other 2 are bitten, but dont seem to itch - the young one comes up in lumps poor boy!
I have found Nettex Stop-Itch salve quite good for manes and tails. You only need to apply approx once a week - but keep an eye on it to top up if necessary. I also use their spray and shampoo, both of which are reasonably effective. I have also used Camrosa ointment - which worked well, but was very messy, so I switched to Nettex which isnt as greasy.
A friend suggested Olbas Oil is good - but I havent tried it yet - has anyone else? I am assuming the strong smell must put midges off - and it is basically essential oils and safe as a human 'rub' so safe on horses (after normal patch test)
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Hannah
Date : 03.05.05 8:38:00 AM
thanks pd, might look into it. have the vet coming out today for vaccinations so they ,may be able to offer some advice. (although last time they gave me something for red lice on chickens!?)
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : lucyloo01
Date : 03.05.05 11:11:00 AM
I use fly spray, beezlebug oil in the top of the tail and two piriton twice a day
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From :
Date : 03.05.05 11:59:00 PM
I can also agree that the Stop-Itch works well,on mane,tail and on my mare round her udder area and on her face.I then use No Flies On Me fly spray on rest of her body,and as low a sugar diet as I can manage..ie Hi-Fi lite or Alfa-A lite and unmollassed sugar beet,and not too much rich grass.Last year for the first time on this regime she grew a mane and tail,and didnt need a fly sheet all summer.
We have a new sufferer at the yard who arrived in winter,so waiting to see if he responds as well as she has to the regime.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Rosemary
Date : 04.05.05 1:10:00 AM
Anyone used a Midge Magnet as an adjunct to therapy? We caught millions of them last year...4 ounces!.....and so far, they are not too prevalent. It attracts over 1-2 acres but would be useful depending on the land. Just intersted
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From :
Date : 04.05.05 4:28:00 AM
I did a Google search for Midge Magnet, saw the cheapest one just under £700. is that the one you are asking about Rosemary?
From : Hannah
Date : 02.05.05 9:07:00 PM
Its that dreaded time of year again!After forgetting how bad last year was, and being lulled into a false sense of security those flippin midges are attacking my poor horse again.
Thought it would be extremely helpful for everyone with poor suffering ponies to have a thread dedicated to sweet itch where we could swap ideas.
If everyone could put down any products which help them whether it be rug, food supplemnt, fly spray, lotion or stable accessories that would be fantastic. As well as this if you can remember where you got it from that would also be helpful!
I hope this helps some people as know im in need of some new ideas.
thanx,
Hannah xx
P.S. MY TIPS ARE BOETT RUG, AND D-ITCH LOTION FROM NAF. you can get the NAF products in most equestrian places. The boett rugs can be ordered from www.sweetitch.co.uk
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : GB
Date : 02.05.05 9:20:00 PM
I've been using the Boett rug this year, which has helped my pony grow his mane back for the first time in years. I am not certain if he has been rubbing in the field, but if he has then the rug seems to protect his mane and tail. I've never found any of the lotions and potions to be too good on their own but I expect in combination with the rug then they would be more effective.
Interestingly my pony has had to be box rested since he strained a leg, and I've been stabling him without his rug - but he has now started rubbing in the stable! Now whether this is due to the fact the midges come into the stable or he is just rubbing because he has something to rub on, I don't know. I will put the rug back on him and see what happens!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Jill
Date : 02.05.05 9:29:00 PM
Has anyone out there had their horses given the vaccine which the sweetitch centre have been trialling? And how effective has it been? My horse has had it, but his sweetitch doesn't show itself til June, so it's early days, but my friends horse has also had it and has started itching. I have to say she was so much worse than my horse anyway, and talking about it, we're not convinced that there is only one sort of sweetitch - many different horses react in many different ways, and respond differently to treatments. NAF did nothing for my horse, and he trashed a boett by rubbing through it. What does everyone think?
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Hannah
Date : 02.05.05 9:43:00 PM
How do you find out about getting the vaccine?
Naf D-ITCH food supplement controlled it alomost totally one year-the next tub i ordered said 'new improved formula' and after that it didnt touch it! annoying or what?!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : KAS
Date : 02.05.05 10:17:00 PM
Interesting comment about there being more than one sort of sweetitch, I've wondered about that as well. I'm interested in the vaccine as Fin needs help and I really need to avoid using a Boett. He had a nasty accident with a Boett once and we think it is the cause of some of his disturbed behaviour. I'm dousing him in a cocktail of fly repellant at the mo. I want to try Vetrazine, but can't get my hands on any!!
I have also noticed that he seems more sensitive to the fly or midge bites than the others. They obviously all get bitten, but he comes up in loads of lumps where the others only get a few.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From :
Date : 02.05.05 10:30:00 PM
I also use a Boett rug. Its the only thing that works for my pony because he's so severely affected over almost all of his body.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From :
Date : 02.05.05 10:35:00 PM
I also use a Boett rug. Its the only thing that works for my pony because he's so severely affected over almost all of his body.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Sweet itch pro!
Date : 02.05.05 10:54:00 PM
mine is now stabled from before 3pm until 9.30 am every day.
He wears a Rambo Sweet itch Hoody day and night
His stable is inside a barn and the outdoor large window is shut before midges arrive and overnight as well.
This is the first time I will be using stabling as a way of controlling the itch...so far he hasn't even started scrubbing and the lovely mane/tail is still intact...
His face hasn't been attacked and his ears are still hairy lined!
I used to have him out 24/7 with rug and mask and repellent but he was STILL in pieces.
So this year I will be going down the stabling route as I cannot see any other way out for him to avoid being a mess in this summer PS this is his 5th year with me and each year I get better results with him using avoidance rather than letting him stay out like I would want him to.
I am working him harder in the time he isn't stabled and also he is out in the field for those few hours with his buddies but is happy to come when called for riding (- before you all jump down my neck for stabling a horse in the summer for a long time)
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Lesley @ Trallwm Farm
Date : 03.05.05 2:13:00 AM
We have a loan pony that the loaner had the vaccine done and the pony went down with Laminitus. I would be interested in hearing if it has happened to anyone else.
For those trying Vetrazine,how is it going ?
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 03.05.05 4:21:00 AM
Hi, my Vet is very keen on the vaccine route, as it's proved very successful in some cases here in Italy. However, when he saw Orioni last week, reckoned I didn't need to go down that route as we were controlling it well. I went down the Vetrazine route, and to be perfectly honest, don't think it made a huge amount of difference, although it must be remembered that it doesn't control the itching of 'sweet itch' as such, just checks the bott fly/lavae.. I have finished it now, so I bought a well-known equine fly spray and spray 2-3 times a day extensively either side of his crest and down the center of his mane, along his back to the top of his tail and down. Then between his back legs and along his tummy to between his front legs. This routine I have kept up for the last month and I can honestly say that he has grown a mane and tail far longer in this time than in any other time I've had him! I tried the NAF D-Itch supplement and he couldn't stand it and always left it, I've tried garlic, the same, and I've got the NAF D-Itch lotion waiting in the wings for when it all gets really bad....I can't risk putting this lovely sounding Boett rug on him as he lives on a hill-side full of trees and scrubland and would be afraid that he would catch himself on something. So, for me it's just spray, spray, spray all the way.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : sobagirl
Date : 03.05.05 6:59:00 AM
my sisters Highland suffers from xtrememly bad sweetitch. We're beginning to think that some of his scratching behaviour is sycological, because he starts scratching before the midges have even come out! He developed when young after his lifelong friend passed away.
Boett, snuggyhood, every fly spray you can imagine.
The only difference with a rug was that when he scratched it didn't do as much damage.
He's been seen pulling his tummy along the floor like a dig does!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : sobagirl
Date : 03.05.05 7:01:00 AM
should be like a dog does!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : pd
Date : 03.05.05 7:16:00 AM
Like Nikki I tried Vetrazine but I don't think it worked at all for my horse.
Kas - I have some Vetrazine here (Hampshire) if you want to try some but would not be able to post it. I tried it with my vet's approval.
I went back to using his rug rather than risk huge damage. Vetrazine may work on less troubled horses. I feel my horse is troubled with itching by more than just midge bites.
One thing helping so far (fingers crossed) is that I am using Eurax (human cream) on his ears, parts of which are bald. So far it seems to be helping but I need to consult my vet about long term use.
The areas hardest to treat are below his eyes - for fear of rubbing anything into them - and his sheath that he can reach with his teeth for a damaging scratch. Any advice for these areas please? I do use a face mask but it still worries me to use it 24/7.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Hannah
Date : 03.05.05 7:47:00 AM
sobagirl, i agree that some sweetitch behaviour could well be psychological as my horse seems to flick his tail and stamp his feet even when im sure there is nothing around him-however midges are very small! my horse also drags his belly-particularly against his hind leg when lying down.
pd, im in the same position as my pony has has face, both ends of belly and sheath bitten as these are the areas arent covered by the boett. at the moment am putting ditch on them but itstoo runny. thought maybe a coldcream may kil the itch more? what does this Eurax do? Is the boett hood any good? i havent got it as was worried about chances of pulling it over his face as hes a bit of a houdini!
xx
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : pd
Date : 03.05.05 8:09:00 AM
Hi Hannah
The Eurax "stops itching fast" and "works for up to 10 hours. It is for and number of things including insect bites. I'm not sure yet whether the cream and/or its smell is stopping lots of bites or whether the midges that attack the ears haven't appeared yet. But I am managing without a face mask at present - mainly because with all the rubbing he has made his eyes watery (being treated by vet) and I know watery eyes can affect vision.
I have a Boett hood but even with that he manages to rub around the eyes although I think they have added extra protection now. Mine is very old and seemed a very tight fit.
Back to the Eurax - I am going to check with my vet about using it elsewhere if it continues to be effective on his ears.
Talking to a Vet (not from my practice but on another matter) she said a good way to settle these affected areas is to use a steroid cream. Unfortunately you cannot use it long term and I think you must avoid broken skin but it certainly brings relief and recovery - but then it has to be maintained.!
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Jude
Date : 03.05.05 8:28:00 AM
We have a lot of midges, and of my 3 horses my young Welsh D - black - seems to attract twice the amount of the other 2. We arent sure if he smells different, if his colour attracts them more, or if he is sweatier being a darker colour. The other 2 are bitten, but dont seem to itch - the young one comes up in lumps poor boy!
I have found Nettex Stop-Itch salve quite good for manes and tails. You only need to apply approx once a week - but keep an eye on it to top up if necessary. I also use their spray and shampoo, both of which are reasonably effective. I have also used Camrosa ointment - which worked well, but was very messy, so I switched to Nettex which isnt as greasy.
A friend suggested Olbas Oil is good - but I havent tried it yet - has anyone else? I am assuming the strong smell must put midges off - and it is basically essential oils and safe as a human 'rub' so safe on horses (after normal patch test)
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Hannah
Date : 03.05.05 8:38:00 AM
thanks pd, might look into it. have the vet coming out today for vaccinations so they ,may be able to offer some advice. (although last time they gave me something for red lice on chickens!?)
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : lucyloo01
Date : 03.05.05 11:11:00 AM
I use fly spray, beezlebug oil in the top of the tail and two piriton twice a day
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From :
Date : 03.05.05 11:59:00 PM
I can also agree that the Stop-Itch works well,on mane,tail and on my mare round her udder area and on her face.I then use No Flies On Me fly spray on rest of her body,and as low a sugar diet as I can manage..ie Hi-Fi lite or Alfa-A lite and unmollassed sugar beet,and not too much rich grass.Last year for the first time on this regime she grew a mane and tail,and didnt need a fly sheet all summer.
We have a new sufferer at the yard who arrived in winter,so waiting to see if he responds as well as she has to the regime.
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From : Rosemary
Date : 04.05.05 1:10:00 AM
Anyone used a Midge Magnet as an adjunct to therapy? We caught millions of them last year...4 ounces!.....and so far, they are not too prevalent. It attracts over 1-2 acres but would be useful depending on the land. Just intersted
Subject : re:- Sweet Itch Forum
From :
Date : 04.05.05 4:28:00 AM
I did a Google search for Midge Magnet, saw the cheapest one just under £700. is that the one you are asking about Rosemary?