Allergy Horse

Urticaria: What are the most common causes of these efflorescences?

This form of efflorescence is common in horses and is often associated with food allergy or insect allergens. On the other hand, exercise-induced urticaria has also been described in horses and humans. However, research into the cause of urticaria is usually very laborious and time-consuming.

As there is no allergen-free grain, a horse with urticaria must not be fed concentrated feed and should be put on shavings and follow a strict hay/grass diet, i.e. no muesli and no treats for at least 2 months. Even after that, at least treats and muesli should be avoided, and if they are fed, then only from one type of grain. It is also very helpful to keep a diary where any kind of changes or abnormalities can be documented and thus traced.

ASIT: When is the best time to start ASIT for a sweet itch horse?

In the case of sensitisation to insects, therapy should be started at the end of the season if possible.

ASIT: A horse reacts in the single allergen determinations with more than 8 allergens, what do you recommend?

In this case, it is best to have two ASIT sets made and administer them at the same time.

ASIT: A horse gets 2 ASIT sets due to the high allergen count.
Is it possible to mix both solutions or to apply them in only 1 syringe?

No, the solutions should not be mixed. The solutions should be drawn up in separate syringes and applied in two different places (e.g. left and right on the horse’s neck ), but at the same time. Only in case of intolerance reactions, the two injections are administered separately (e.g. Monday and Thursday).

Elimination diet for horses: What is it classically composed of and how should it best be monitored?

In the classic horse elimination diet, concentrate, muesli and treats should be avoided at all costs and the animal should be fed exclusively on hay/grass. If concentrated feed must be given (performance), then only one type of grain should be used.