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Itching is a
distressing skin condition that affects thousands of horses
across the world, also known in Australia as
Queensland Itch, Summer Itch
It occurs in
varying degrees of severity in horses of various breeds and
colours, there appears to be a genetic link. It is
particularly common in Icelandic horses.
Causes
Itching is a
comman condition caused by a hypersensitivity to the bites
of the Culicoides flies (also called midges and
‘no-see-ums’). After being bitten, some horses are allergic
to a substance in the saliva of the fly, which causes a
local reaction. This in turn causes intense irritation with
severe itching, which the horse tries to relieve by rubbing
and biting itself.
The culicoides
midges are present in the UK from April to October and
hibernate under the horses skin during the colder winter
months. They feed primarily at dusk and dawn, and tend to
feed on the horse at specific sites, particularly around the
head, tail head, withers, and base of the mane, however
other areas, including the chest, back and rump can also be
affected.
The midges like
to breed on wet land, and around rivers, lakes and standing
water, so susceptible horses kept close to these conditions
are more likely to be affected.
Symptoms
Affected
animals are very itchy and distressed, and rub and bite
themselves intensely.
The fly bites
form blisters, which can weep, causing crusting, scabs and
scaling. Prolonged rubbing and biting results in, hair loss
and damage to the skin, with sometimes bleeding open sores.
Occasionally
secondary bacterial infections can occur. It is also not
uncommon for horses to rub off their mane and upper tail
hair.
In the long
term, skin thickening and loss of hair pigmentation may
occur (hair goes grey).
Prevention
It is important
to try and prevent the symptoms of sweet itch by protecting
your horse from the flies, by:
Special
Attention
Despite taking
precautions to protect your horse from the culicoides flies,
it can often be extremely difficult to prevent the symptoms
of Itching, and without special attention, the condition tends to
worsen each year.
There is
presently no known cure for Itching, but there is now
available a natural remedy Our natural product
ALVASWEET Itch Controller, will help
to relive the symptoms of itching, preventing further
distress to your horse,
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