Urticaria in Horses
Urticaria is a common skin condition that affects people and animals. It is also known as ‘hives’.
This condition is especially dramatic in horses whose usually smooth-coated bodies reveal the well-defined, raised areas in the upper layer of the skin. These wheals or welts may appear as flat-top nodules, donut shaped rings or occasionally as rope-like lesions that may coalesce into larger geometric shapes or forms. Often limited to a small area, severe cases may involve the face and limbs. The wheals are due to edema fluid developing in the skin and may feel soft when depressed however some horses may develop firm nodules.
There are many causes of urticaria including chemical, physical or hormonal factors. It can be a one-time episode or it can be a waxing and waning problem. History can be particularly valuable especially if some type of drug is associated with the development and recurrence of urticaria. A change in environmental condition may point to allergens in feedstuffs, infectious agents, some parasites, pollens, dusts, fungal and mold spores to name a few. Reactions to light, temperature or stress has been known to trigger urticaria in horses and only affecting an individual horse stabled among many.
Horses may or may not be itchy but if itchiness does occur, self-inflicted trauma may result in contusions and scab formation and sometimes secondary infection.
To treat urticaria the underlying cause should be determined, however many cases are idiopathic and only occur one time. Antihistamines may be used and have minimal side effects. Allergy testing and immunotherapy (antigen injections) can also be effective in cases where environmental allergies are a factor. It is generally recommended that glucocorticoids (steroids) be used limitedly and for short-term treatment.
Recurrent or chronic cases of urticaria are best treated with avoidance of causes if known, antihistamines or antigen injections. Glucocorticoids should optimally be avoided as a long-term treatment and only used long-term as a last resort. Therapeutic shampoos can be used to reduce skin irritation if there is oozing or secondary skin damage. Allermyl (Virbac) or HyLyt (DVM) are excellent choices due to their mild effects and moisturizing properties on the skin.
There is no one identifiable cause of urticaria unless an allergen has been established, therefore prevention is not possible. Fortunately, most horses resolve rather quickly without ever discovering the underlying cause.
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Employee Spotlight: Tami Rae