ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Horse with Hives Question

[endurance] Horse with Hives Question

Karen Chaton (karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us)
Sat, 10 Feb 1996 20:37:34 -0800 (PST)

Thanks everybody for all the info and replies about hives regarding my horse
Rocky. One thing several of you mentioned was alfalfa hay, and my horses
don't get any alfalfa. Just grass hay, or oat hay, with grain/feed. I do
know that his problem was exascerbated last year when I also started him on
an certain feed, he *really* broke out severely, I even had to have the vet
come out. He swelled up so bad, he could hardly see out of his eyes, and he
couldn't breath without wheezing. When I took him off of the feed (after he
had his cortizone shot and got put on antihistamine) the bumps cleared up.
However, if I were to take him off of the antihistamine for more than a day
the bumps would come back (though not as bad as when I gave him that feed).
I tested the theory, and gave him the feed again a few weeks later, and sure
enough, the same thing happened! I know the feed didn't cause the hives,
but made them worse. We are pretty sure that the no-see-um flies are
causing the reaction, because when they went away, so did the hives, and
when they came back in the fall, so did the hives.

I'm waiting anxiously this year to see what happens. I've already noticed
some of the no-see-ums swarming around. No reaction yet, but it is still
early.

I know that when a human has a reaction to a sting or allergic reaction that
they are given eppinepherine. Does anybody know if horses are given that
under similar circumstances? It sounds like a few of you have had horses
break out with hives/bumps at rides. I would have to assume that with this
particular horse that it could happen to me (him) also; would any of you
recommend a certain type of medication/drug that I should have available on
hand for when I am traveling with this horse? I won't be doing any
endurance rides on him for several months, but I will be taking him on
camping trips and places where he might come in contact with allergens that
might cause a reaction.

Thanks again!

Karen