Allergies in Horses: Symptoms and Treatment for Equine Allergies
Dr. Chelsea Fishenfeld, aka “Dr. Fish,” DVM, veterinarian at Loomis Basin Equine Medical Group and Equine Medical Associates in Lake Forest, California, says the first step in being able to help your steed is knowing what to look for. Common equine allergy symptoms can include: Hives (urticaria) Heaves (shortness of breath, increased respiratory effort, chronic cough, exercise intolerance) Nasal discharge with a milky consistency Swollen eyelid(s) Conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) Watery eyes Swollen sheath Swelling under the abdomen Itching (pruritus), leading to scratching on stall or other objects Hair loss Dermatitis (skin inflammation) While these signs usually indicate an allergy, Dr. Fish says that sometimes they are linked to other conditions: Swelling: Some horses on pasture can develop an increased inflammatory response in their parotid gland, known as grass glands or “parotiditis,” which is sometimes mistaken for a swollen face or allergic reaction, Dr. Fish says. The two conditions are treated similarly. Increased respiration: Increased respiration can be a sign of pain in horses. A vet can identify this sign through a physical exam and then treat the horse accordingly. Nasal discharge: Infectious agents, tooth root abscesses and foreign bodies can cause a runny nose or nasal discharge. This can be mistaken for allergies and requires further diagnostics and stall-side testing. Eye issues: Excessive tearing and rubbing can be indicative of eye issues such as uveitis (eye inflammation). An ophthalmic exam can identify the condition. Rubbing of the tail: This behavior can sometimes be due to a pinworm infestation. Dr. Fish recommends that horses be on a regular deworming and parasite control program. Swollen sheath: The sheath refers to the covering of skin and tissue that surrounds the penis in male horses. A swollen sheath can occur for various reasons. To determine the underlying cause, a blood panel must be performed, as well as an assessment of organ function and electrolytes, particularly in older horses. Consult your veterinarian to pinpoint the cause of your horse’s symptoms. Less common signs of allergies in horses include: Chronic colic (accompanied by weight loss) Chronic loose manure (diarrhea) Lacerations due to excessive scratching in response to itching Corneal ulcers due to scratching or rubbing of the eyes in response to itching Absolute eosinophilia (high white blood cell count) on routine lab work in context of other history or physical exam findings With severe allergic reactions, there’s a rare risk of anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate vet care. Dr. Fish says it’s imperative to have your vet evaluate your horse or provide further guidance in deciding necessary treatment.,Jump to section Symptoms of Allergies in Horses Common Causes of Allergies in Horses Treatment for Allergies in Horses Equine Allergy Prevention
