summer allergies
By Linda Kennard NAF
Horses, just like us, are prone to allergies. Some allergies occur all year round, while others have a definite seasonality. This means that those summer ailments are well on their way. The main one we see over the summer period is an allergic reaction to biting midges known as Sweet Itch. Being prepared is key…
Sweet Itch or Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis (SSRD) is an allergic reaction to the bite of airborne insects of the Culicoides species. Culicoides midge's larvae develop in moist, wet, damp soils, areas of pond edges, slow moving streams and where there is decaying vegetation. All of these are favoured breeding sites. Several generations can be produced in one year. Culicoides adults are more active at twilight hours in calm conditions. They are generally poor fliers and will not feed if the wind is too strong or during rainy periods. However, during humid days with cloud cover they may feed at any time. The breeding period for the Culicoides midges tends to run from late March until the end of September.
Sweet Itch is a form of dermatitis and is an allergic reaction to the saliva of the culicoides midges when they puncture the skin to feed. Due to the horse's allergy to the bite there is an increase in free radical (naturally occurring toxins found in the body) production within the horse's body. Healthy tissue is destroyed and the cell damage causes the symptoms of sweet itch. The symptoms appear on the surface of the skin around the areas of the neck, withers, dock and in severe cases the underside of the belly. These lead to the skin becoming very itchy, which causes the horse to starting rubbing against trees, fencing or anything that helps to relieve the irritation. This rubbing can then cause hair loss with the skin becoming broken which results in bleeding. Sweet Itch is not contagious, although if the conditions are right for the culicoides midge's more than one horse sharing the same grazing may show the same symptoms.
At the present time there is no cure for sweet itch. This means that spring, summer and autumn can become a nightmare for some horses and their owners. Good management of the symptoms can help to keep horses comfortable. Where possible marshy and boggy fields should be avoided. Grazing should also be kept away from ponds, streams, muck heaps and rotting vegetation. If possible horses should be stabled at the midges prime feeding times at dawn and dusk. The use of a light summer sheet or fly sheet is also valuable in preventing the midges from coming into contact with the coat.
Steroid injections and Benzyl Benzoate have been commonly used to address the issue. However, long term use of these products is not always advisable. The use of a fly and insect repellent can be helpful. When using these products it is advisable to look for products that include essential oils such as aloe vera or tea tree, as these are noted for their soothing properties. The use of garlic is also an effective way of keeping insects away.
Another key approach is to work from the inside out. Scientific research has shown that the use of antioxidants within the diet can lessen the effects of conditions such as sweet itch.
Antioxidants have the ability to neutralise the free radicals (toxins) allowing them to be safely excreted from the body. This helps to reduce the irritation associated with sweet itch. By supplementing the diet with antioxidants the horse is given the nutritional weapons to fight back against the midge. Antioxidants are large, stable molecules which have the ability to absorb the free radical toxins, literally mopping up the excess toxins and safely excreting them from the body. Unlike remedies aimed at the itching this process directly acts on the root cause of the condition, that is, the reaction to the allergen. As with all nutrients the type of antioxidant is critical to its quality and, therefore, efficiency. Antioxidants are found in fresh products such as fruit, green vegetables, ginger and peppers, and they are the reason for being advised five helpings of fruit and vegetables per day. Feeding antioxidants in a concentrated, targeted form in combination with nutrients for skin health supports the body's defence from both sides, both the root cause and the physical signs. Remember early action is always best for priming the body before the attack. Allergies are reoccurring so if your horse or pony has had sweet itch previously he will always be prone to it. Therefore introduce dietary support in early summer, rather than waiting until the symptoms appear.
By combining good management practices with nutritional therapy many owners have found that sweet itch can either be prevented or the severity reduced. However being prepared is the key and for best results do make sure to take action before the problems escalate.
Recommended NAF Products:
D-Itch: Is rich in natural antioxidants such as hawthorn and ginger, for
use where oxidative damage from free radicals is seen. D-Itch Ointment: A soothing ointment for irritated, itchy skin. Midge-Off: A lotion specially formulated to help ward off all types of midges, which can cause further irritation. NAF-OFF Extra Fly Spray: A combination of natural oils combined with garlic, teatree and aloe vera to repel airborne parasites.
For further information please go to your local NAF stockist
or call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106. www.naf-uk.com
