Sweet itch
Sweet itch is a miserable ailment which causes stress and anxiety. A vaccine is on the horizon, but what’s best practice for managing this pesky condition in the meantime? Allison Lowther finds out
How to manage the condition so your horse stays happy and comfortable
MORE DAYLIGHT HOURS and warmer temperatures are a welcome relief for most horse owners. Plus your horse can enjoy more time outside, with no rug on, enjoying the sunshine, too. However, if he has sweet itch, life revolves around keeping him as comfortable as possible from spring onwards. There’s no cure for the condition, so it’s a case of managing it and finding a system that works best for him. This may be using a combination of a fly rug and various appropriate lotions to prevent midges from attacking.
What is sweet itch?
Sweet itch is the allergic reaction to the saliva in a bite by the Culicoides midge. It’s a problem from spring to autumn, but some horses can suffer all year round. There’s currently not enough research to back up claims that sweet itch is genetic, but it’s thought the main causes are environmental and stress. Sweet itch can also occur in horses that have never had it before. For example, a stressful event can compromise your horse’s immune system, leaving him sensitive to midge bites.
The itching cycle
Once bitten by midges, an allergic horse will develop a hypersensitivity reaction. This results in histamine being produced by his immune system. This over-the-top reaction by the immune system leads to swelling and intense itching of the skin. The desire to itch can be so strong that your horse will rub and chew at the area, resulting in hair loss and sores. The top of the withers, mane and tail are the areas sweet itch is most often seen, but other areas of the body can be affected too. “I see increasing numbers of horses with sweet itch,” says vet Mark Bowen. “This is possibly due to the warmer, wetter springs we are having in the UK, which are ideal conditions for midges.”
Stable or turnout?
Advice is often to keep your horse in at dusk and dawn when midges are at their worse, but Alison adds that this isn’t always the best course of action. “Midge numbers may be higher at dusk and dawn, but they’re feeding all day long,” she explains. “In my opinion, horses are better off being turned out 24/7 in electricfenced paddocks. When stabled, they have lots of objects to rub against, such as walls and mangers, in an effort to alleviate itching, making the condition worse.” “Consider what’s best for your horse depending on the environment he’s in,” adds Mark. “Fields next to, or containing, water attract midges, as do sheltered fields with overhanging hedges and trees.”
Sweet itch rugs
“A sweet itch rug made from ultra-fine mesh that covers as much of the horse as possible, including under the belly, can be an effective way of stopping midges from biting him, but this will only work well if you start using it early enough,” says Mark. “Once your horse has been bitten and starts itching, he can show symptoms for up to three weeks afterwards. You won’t see the symptoms instantly disappear by putting a rug on, it will take time,” advises Alison. “The Boett Blanket is effective and there’s no need to apply other repellents,” continues Alison. “It was invented in Sweden 16 years ago to offer protection to horses suffering from insect-bite allergy.” Made from a breathable and waterrepellent fabric that midges cannot bite through, this lightweight rug is durable and, when fitted correctly, can be worn 24 hours a day. You can even ride your horse in it – simply remove the belly panel and remove the hood, loosen the rear leg straps, pop your saddle on and off you go.
Lotions and potions
“Choosing a fly repellent that contains DEET or is permethrin-based can offer an effective and long-lasting midge and mosquito repellent,” says Mark. Creams and oils provide a barrier against midges and for many owners this is an effective way to keep the condition under control. Look at the list of ingredients on many of them and you’ll find benzyl benzoate. However, like many products, you may find it works well on one horse but have little or no effect on another. Benzyl benzoate should be applied before your horse starts to show symptoms and shouldn’t be applied to broken skin. Some repellent products wash off in the rain or if your horse sweats, so reapplying them regularly is necessary. This can be time consuming and costly. For help and advice, call the National Sweet Itch Advice Line on 01352 840333 or visit itchyhorse.co.uk. ‘Speak to your vet, too, about treatment for your individual horse,” concludes Mark.