Equine Skin Allergies

Equine Skin Allergies an Overview
Horses scratch for many reasons. They scratch themselves on fences rub up against posts and sometimes people roll on the ground and groom each other. A natural behaviour usually linked to social bonding comfort and relaxation it can be heightened seasonally by shedding sweating or the presence of insects. However when scratching becomes frequent enough to result in hair loss broken skin scabs or if it disrupts eating or sleeping it is time to talk to a veterinarian to determine if a skin allergy is to blame so appropriate treatments can be pursued.

Allergies are the result of immune reactions to proteins that the body identifies as foreign allergens. They are often caused by repeated exposures to pollens weeds grasses molds insect bites medications and feeds although food allergies in herbivores are rare. Equine skin allergies typically cause abnormal itching pruritus and hives urticaria.
Among domestic animals horses are the most likely species to be affected by hives. These raised round patches on the skin are not a disease themselves. Rather they are skin lesions or reaction patterns that result from certain diseases and conditions.
Atopic dermatitis environmental allergy pollens molds etc.
Drugs and medications
Insectmite bites or stings
Chemical contact plants dyes detergents soaps insecticides etc.
Less common causes are
Dermatophytes ringworm
Pemphigus foliaceus autoimmune skin disease
Stress
Vasculitis including purpura hemorrhagica
Pressure or trauma to the skin
Cold
Exercise
Feed
Hives typically appear suddenly and in large numbers. The most distinguishing characteristic is that they pit if you put pressure on them. It is important to try to determine the underlying cause of hives by evaluating the horses medical history in order to provide proper treatment. A seasonal itch for example would be most consistent with atopic dermatitis to pollens whereas an itch that persists yearround is more likely to be a reaction to molds barn dust or feed. Episodes