Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Saw the other post re: lost manes, possibly due to sweet itch, and it reminded 
me that I've been wanting to ask about this subject.

My 10 year old gelding, Shahtahr, has been struck with the itchies this year.  
I've only had him two years, but he didn't have near the reaction to bugs last 
year as he is this year.  Could be location, since I moved him from Santa 
Barbara to Sunland, CA.  Also, he has been confined to a small pipe corral due 
to injury for the past 4 months, instead of being turned out 24/7.  Don't know 
if this is adding to the problem or not.

Anyway, I'm guessing by his symptoms that he has fly and/or midge allergies, 
AKA "sweet itch".

I've tried two kinds of fly sprays (Flysect Super 7 and Tri-Tech) and DEET (as 
in "Off" for humans) with only marginal results.  The poor guy is miserable.  
He gets down on the ground to scratch his belly raw, and the dock of his tail 
looks terrible.  His sheath, thighs, and belly are going bald and flaking, with 
bumps and some open sores.  Also a few between his forelegs and on his chest.  
He rubs and scratches on anything he can find.

Does anybody know of something that works?  The only luck I've had is liberal 
coating with SWAT ointment - like 1/2 jar each application!!, but it is 
terribly messy and expensive!

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jennifer




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