Can Horses Get Hay Fever?

Symptoms. Pollen allergies (hay fever) are very common in horses, most often seen in young and old ones. Unlike humans, horses that are allergic to pollen will often show symptoms that are more similar to that of the flu ??? not like the symptoms we get that are more related to the sinus and nasal areas.

How do you treat a horse with allergies?

Symptomatic treatments to control the itch in the short-term may be needed, and may include topical cortisone, soothing shampoos and conditioners, fatty acids, and oral (Prednisolone) or injectable (dexamethasone) forms of cortisone.

Can a horse be allergic to hay?

Horses can also develop food allergies, although documented cases are rare. For example, there are reports that certain types of grains or hay have caused hives in horses.

Can allergies cause a fever in horses?

In some cases, the airways can be so inflamed as to become infected secondarily by bacteria or viruses. This can make the horse unwell, cause a fever and worsen their breathing. The treatment for SPAOPD involves preventing the horse from being exposed to the causative allergen(s).

What can I give my horse for pollen allergy?

‘The most effective method is to get a horse to inhale small quantities of steroid into his lungs. This will neutralise the allergic reaction that has caused the airway muscles to clamp down.

How do you treat a horse with allergies naturally?

Flaxseed is one of the highest natural vegetable sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. It helps reduce immune response to common allergens and has been shown to reduce inflammation caused by Culicoides. As an oral supplement, horses tolerate ground stabilized flaxseed well.

Can hay make a horse sick?

Common molds in hay can produce spores that cause respiratory problems in horses. Under some conditions these molds may also produce toxins.

What does a horse allergy look like?

Common allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin irritation, digestive problems and, in serious cases, a life-threatening immune reaction called anaphylaxis. Another symptom of allergies can be mild wheezing, a whistling sound that’s made when you breathe.

Can horses get grass sickness from hay?

Equine Grass Sickness (EGS) is a debilitating and frequently fatal disease, affecting grazing horses, ponies, and donkeys. However, there have been a few cases where horses with no access to grass have developed EGS where hay has been found to be the cause¹.

How do you tell if a horse has a fever?

A high fever—elevated by three or more degrees—is a more serious warning sign. In addition to dullness, you might see chills/shivering, sweating, increased respiration and pulse rate, fluctuations in skin temperature or reddening of the gums. An acute fever tends to spike high but come down quickly.

Does grass trigger hay fever?

The different types of pollen
It’s the first pollen to be released during hay fever season, and levels are typically highest from late March to mid-May. Around 95% of people’s hay fever is triggered by grass pollen, which tends to be highest between mid-May and July.

What are the symptoms of valley fever in horses?

Symptoms of disseminated disease can include:

• lameness or swelling of limbs.
• back or neck pain, with or without weakness/paralysis.
• seizures and other manifestations of brain swelling.
• soft abscess-like swelling under the skin.
• swollen lymph nodes under the chin, in front of the shoulder blades, or behind the stifles.

What helps horses with hayfever?

Treatment and prevention of hayfever in horses
Consider pollen nets or facemasks to help ease the head shaking and itching and coughing. If the problem seems severe and consistent, consult your vet. A simple case of Allergic Respiratory Disease could quickly lead to other, more damaging infections if not dealt with.

What helps hay fever instantly?

Antihistamines. Antihistamines treat hay fever by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it’s under attack from an allergen. This stops the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

How do you test a horse for allergies?

There are two tests currently available for food allergy testing in horses: intradermal testing (known as a skin-prick test) and a blood test that measures a specific protein, or antibody, called immunoglobulin E.

What antihistamines can you use on horses?

Tripelennamine is used in horses to treat allergic problems such as hives and itchy skin reactions or more urgent allergic problems such as tongue or facial swelling due to bee sting, insect bites, or contact with an irritating plant.

What can I give my horse to boost his immune system?

Boost Your Horse’s Natural Defense
Platinum Performance® Equine with additional Zinc and Lysine provides a well-balanced supplement that supports a strong immune system and total body health. This formula is recommended for horses that are traveling, have potential for viral exposure or have already been exposed.

What is the best natural remedy for hay fever?

Favour foods that are warm and nourishing but easy to digest such as soups, grains and leafy green vegetables. Avoid substances which are mucus-producing such as dairy products, wheat and sugar. Minimise the time you spend outside on high pollen count days. Keep windows closed at night when you sleep.

What happens if a horse eats too much hay?

Horse owners know to keep their animals and feed secure in order to prevent a loose horse from gorging on feed, as a sudden intake of a large quantity of feed can cause colic and laminitis.

What happens if you feed a horse too much hay?

But it’s easy to go overboard when feeding them with the wrong hard feeds or hay that is too high in sugar or protein. Overfeeding leads to problems like obesity, laminitis, and colic. Healthy horses need a very simple diet of good pasture or hay.

What hay is toxic to horses?

Endophytes present in tall fescue and ryegrass produce mycotoxins that are toxic to equines. Endophyte-infected fescue hay can cause reproductive problems resulting in dystocia (foaling difficulties) and poor milk production.