Equine Health Feature
The Horse Report
Allergic reactions in our equine friends Allergies in horses can be caused by many things, including feeds, shampoos and sprays, washing detergents, chemicals, pollens, skin contact with plants, and insect bites. Allergies can be minor and not really bother your horse at all and some reactions can be so severe that the horse may have trouble breathing. Some allergic reactions can cause excessive swelling local to the initial reaction site, or all over the body and consequently, your horse may be very uncomfortable. An allergic reaction may show the following symptoms: Lumps appearing on the neck and/or body Swelling - from insect bite Swelling - around the face Skin abrasions, swelling or lesions caused by rubbing irritated areas Wheezing, excessive coughing and sneezing Excessive fluid from the nostrils due to irritation of the airways Allergic reactions are caused by an overreaction of the immune system when what the body believes an ‘antigen’ is detected. An antigen (a disease carrying protein) is usually neutralised after the horse’s immune system reacts to the antigen’s presence and accordingly, mounts a defense against the perceived threat. It is normal for the body to release chemicals
Allergies can be very itchy and cause loss of hair to assist in neutralising antigens, and these chemicals induce the symptoms that we see which are actually designed to rid the body of the offending antigen in the first place. One of these chemicals is histamine - hence why the use anti-histamines to help to control allergic reactions. Lumps on your horse are usually insect bites and may appear as small, firm and itchy, and are not a serious problem unless there has been an allergic reaction to them. Apply a repellent regularly and an antiseptic cream and monitor the bites. They should go
down within a few days. If there is a severe allergic reaction to the bites, contact your vet. If the bumps are large, flat and puffy, they are most likely hives - for which the most common cause is a food allergy. Itchy skin can be due to a number of allergic reactions, particularly from insect bites or contact with certain types of plants. Depending on whether the skin is broken, cooling the area may help to soothe the itch. If the skin is broken or the horse is constantly rubbing, placing a weather appropriate rug on to cover his skin may help to ease the itch. Be sure to check and treat sores regularly to ensure they are healing and that they are not infected. Allergic reactions to injections can be very, very serious. Sometimes a small swelling may occur at the site of the injection, but that is generally due to the needle not being sterilise before the injection is given - either the site has not been swabbed and contaminants have been able to enter the injection site, or the needle was not sterile. This is not an allergic reaction. A small lump should subside by itself. True allergic reactions to injections and other medications are rare, and typically occur soon after the injection or medication has been administered. Anaphylaxis can occur if the horse is truly allergic to the drug, in which case immediate veterinary treatment is required.
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