How Do I Know If My Horse Is Allergic To Alfalfa?

We often find that Barley, Molasses and Alfalfa are ingredients that can cause unwanted reactions in some horses.

Feed Allergies and Intolerances

1. Hives.
2. Itchy or scurfy skin.
3. Loss of hair.
4. Sharp, fizzy or excitable behaviour.
5. Regional swellings.
6. Digestive upsets.
7. Loose or watery droppings.
8. Decreased performance.

What does an allergic reaction look like in horses?

The most common types of allergic reactions in horses show up in the skin or respiratory system. In the skin, you may notice your horse vigorously itching an area or overcome with hives. For a respiratory reaction, your horse may begin coughing, sneezing or wheezing, but without nasal discharge.

Can alfalfa cause allergies?

Regardless of its medicinal uses, alfalfa can still elicit an allergic reaction in some. Sensitivities to the plant are not common, but if you’re allergic to other plant foods, you should consume alfalfa cautiously. Allergic reactions to the plant could vary from eyes and lungs to gastrointestinal distress.

Can horses get hives from alfalfa?

Food allergies are rare in horses, but some cases have been reported. These types of allergies can cause itching of the skin, with or without hives. They can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs. Foods that are most commonly suspected include potatoes, wheat, alfalfa, buckwheat, barley, bran and St.

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 are most horses allergic to?

Insect bites By far the most prevalent equine allergy is hypersensitivity to the saliva from insect bites. The most severe form of this allergy is sweet itch (also known as summer itch and equine insect hypersensitivity), a reaction to tiny biting midges (Culicoides spp.).

What is the best allergy medicine for horses?

Oral antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, cetirizine, or diphenhydramine, can suppress the histamine response. Unlike steroids, these drugs are safer for long-term use though they can make some horses a bit sleepy.

Can alfalfa make horses itchy?

The more common ingredients known to cause allergic reactions and sensitivities in some horses include alfalfa, wheat, corn, and soy. Less common foods that could trigger a reaction include lucerne, barley, beet pulp, bran, buckwheat, molasses, chicory, clover, malt, oats, potatoes, and St. John’s Wort.

What are the side effects of alfalfa?

Alfalfa seed products may cause reactions that are similar to the autoimmune disease called lupus erythematosus. Alfalfa might also cause some people’s skin to become extra sensitive to the sun. Wear sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned.

What is alfalfa allergy?

Allergic Reactions
Regardless of medicinal claims, some people are actually allergic to alfalfa products. As with any food allergy, the body can overreact to components in alfalfa and mount a defensive immune reaction that can affect the entire gastrointestinal system, from the mouth to the intestines.

What does an allergic reaction to hay look like?

True hay fever rashes cause red, raised welt-like bumps called hives. Hives are extremely itchy and can occur anywhere on the body. They can range in size from as small as a pencil eraser to larger than several inches across. Hives can also occur along with swelling of the skin (angioedema ).

What do hives look like on horses?

The typical case of urticaria presents as a series of raised swellings or bumps, usually over the head and neck, but the whole body may be affected. These can range in size from only millimetres up to several inches in diameter and in many cases doughnut-shaped rings will be seen.

How does alfalfa affect horses?

Alfalfa hay is an excellent source of energy, protein, calcium and some other nutrients for horses. Its concentrations of protein and calcium meet the nutrient needs of horses in high levels of production, such as growth and lactation, but exceed the nutrient requirements of horses in other life stages.

What is a natural antihistamine for horses?

Quercetin, a natural antihistamine, belongs to a group of beneficial plant antioxidants known as flavanoids. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster and has been said to be similar to, or more effective than, common NSAIDs in reducing inflammation.

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.

Does Benadryl help with horse allergies?

Summary. Over the counter diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or comparable antihistamines can be used in an emergency for horses with severe hypersensitivity or allergy.

What foods are horses allergic to?

Symptoms can be gastrointestinal, dermatologic, or both. Diet items reported to cause adverse food reactions in horses include lucerne, barley, beet pulp, bran, buckwheat, chicory, clover, malt, oats, potatoes, St. John’s Wort, and wheat, feed additives.

Can a horse be allergic to hay?

Although it’s different for animals, horses can contract hayfever-like symptoms in the warmer months. It’s referred to as Allergic Respiratory Disease when it occurs in horses.

Can horses be allergic to feed?

For some horses, allergies and intolerances can take weeks, months or years to develop, meaning that their once favourite food could begin to cause unwanted and adverse reactions. Each horse will react differently and feed intolerances can affect your horse’s behaviour and health in numerous ways, such as; Hives.

What can I give my itchy horse?

Treatment: Antihistamines or corticosteroids may help ease the itch and inflammation, providing relief to the itchy horse; antibiotics or antimicrobial shampoos can help prevent secondary infections. Pentoxifylline can be used to decrease skin reactivity, and in some cases allergy serum is worth trying.

What is allergic hyperactivity in horses?

An allergy manifests itself due to the hyperactivity of the horse’s immune system. The immune system’s role is to defend the body from any foreign substances that have the potential to harm itself. When it detects a substance that it perceives as harmful, it activates by producing antibodies and attacks such.