Last Updated on February 21, 2022 by Allison Price
The skin, which is the largest organ of the body, serves many important functions. The skin of horses can develop redness, itching, or hives due to exposure to different substances. These allergic reactions can occur when the horse eats, inhales or touches certain substances.
Hives (Urticaria)
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin condition commonly called urticaria. These skin conditions are often associated with itching and reddening of the skin.
Causes
Most commonly, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to drugs, vaccines, food, soap, leather conditioners or plants. Hives can also be caused due to heat, sun, exercise, stress, or excessive pressure on the skin.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult to identify the source of hives. It can help to determine the cause by testing a horse’s reaction for shampoos, soaps, and tack cleansers. For horses with chronic (chronic) hives, you may need to take more drastic measures such as treating the horse for allergies, changing his environment, and testing for food allergies. Sometimes, skin testing can be used to check for allergic reactions to inhaled substances such as pollens.
Treatment
Hives can be treated by treating the root cause. Hydrocortisone and dexamethasone are some of the medications that can be used to treat hives. The hives may return if the allergen isn’t eliminated.
Skin Allergies
Horses can experience allergic reactions that affect their skin and other body parts. The treatment of allergic reactions is similar to hives. It involves first identifying the cause and then treating it. To reduce allergic reactions, medications may be used. Some lotions, shampoos, and sprays may be able to relieve symptoms.
Food Allergy
Horses are not susceptible to food allergies, although some cases have been reported. Itching can occur on the skin from these allergies, and it may cause hives or mild itching. These allergies can also affect the lungs and other body parts. Most commonly, they are suspected of being caused by foods like potatoes, wheat and alfalfa. Although diet changes can improve symptoms, it is important to verify that the food was the actual cause.
Contact Allergy
Horses are not at risk for skin allergies from something touching their skin. These allergies can cause more damage than irritation to the skin. Allergens can include medication, tack equipment, bedding materials, insect repellents, and medication that is applied to the skin. Within a few days, it can cause reddening, swelling, pain, swelling, or itching. Untreated, horses may experience crusting and loss of hair.
Atopy
This allergic reaction can cause severe skin and respiratory problems. This condition can be passed on from one parent to the next (inherited). Allergens that are suspected include dust, fabrics and grasses as well as molds, trees, and molds. Atopy symptoms include skin reddening, itching, and skin lesions. It doesn’t matter if the affected area is in direct contact with the allergen.
Photoallergy
The sun (ultraviolet) exposure of horses to certain chemicals and plants is believed to cause this type of skin condition. Reddening, crustiness, or swelling of the skin are some of the symptoms. This is more noticeable in white muzzles or lower limbs.
