ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Endurance Horse & Hives Questions

[endurance] Endurance Horse & Hives Questions

Karen Chaton (karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us)
Thu, 8 Feb 1996 13:14:51 -0800 (PST)

Hi Everybody! I was wondering if anybody else has a horse that gets hives
in the spring and fall? My younger horse is allergic to no-see-ums. Every
spring and fall for the past two years he breaks out (he looks like the
inside of an egg-carton he's so bumpy). If I start him on the tri-hist
(antihistamine) right away, then that will keep the bumps from getting
really bad and keep him from rubbing on everything. Otherwise the vet has
to come out and give him shot.

Heres my problem, the tri-hist is one of the things on the "not allowed"
list of AERC. Do any of you know why this is? I'd like to know what type
of effects this stuff might have on my horse if I continue to ride him
(whether at an endurance ride or not) while he is taking this stuff - I
wouldn't want to do anything to risk his health.

Please somebody tell me that this is something he'll outgrow. I have done
everything I can to keep him from getting the hives to start with - he has a
full/complete fly body suit, and he gets liberally sprayed with fly spray,
but it only takes one bite to set off an attack. He's fine for most of the
entire summer, and all winter. Could this have anything to do with his
genetics?

Also, if I were to ride him with the bumps, do you think that would have an
adverse affect on him? If any of you has any advice on a better or more
natural way to treat this problem, please let me know. :-)

Thank you in advance for your help!

Karen