Can Horses Get Hives From Alfalfa?

In theory horses can be allergic to a range of different ingredients including alfalfa. Horses may be allergic to a particular protein in an ingredient which could trigger an immune reaction which means the ingredient should be avoided.

Can alfalfa cause hives in horses?

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.

Why is my horse breaking out in hives?

The most common causes of hives in horses are insect bites or stings, medications, and exposure to allergens. Other potential causes include vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels of the skin), food allergy, ringworm.

What do hives on a horse look like?

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.

What does a horse allergic reaction look like?

Hives and Swelling
Small bumps occur on the skin. Often, the hair stands up over these swellings and sometimes they itch. Horses often become excited or restless. Hives can develop on any part of the body but are seen mainly on the back, flanks, neck, eyelids, and legs.

How do you know if your horse has alfalfa allergy?

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

• Hives.
• Itchy or scurfy skin.
• Loss of hair.
• Sharp, fizzy or excitable behaviour.
• Regional swellings.
• Digestive upsets.
• Loose or watery droppings.
• Decreased performance.

Can alfalfa cause allergies in horses?

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.

Can I give my horse Benadryl for hives?

Over the counter diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or comparable antihistamines can be used in an emergency for horses with severe hypersensitivity or allergy. Prolonged use is not advised. There is no literature to support the use of diphenhydramine in horses. You are using this product at your own risk.

What plants cause hives in horses?

Plants are not generally palatable and are generally avoided.
Common pasture plants causing irritation:

• Conyza canedensis (Horseweed/Fleabane)
• Euphorbia esula (Leafy spurge)
• Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper)
• Ranunculus spp. (Buttercup)
• Vicia villosa (Wooly vetch)

How do you get rid of hay hives?

For rashes that occur or get worse due to hay fever, a person can try the following: topical creams to calm inflammation and itching, such as calamine lotion. over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines to reduce allergy symptoms. allergy immunotherapy, which “trains” the immune system to stop reacting to an allergen.

How do you confirm hives?

Diagnosing hives. In general, there are no specific tests available for the diagnosis of hives. This is due to the nature of triggers, which in many instances is non-specific or idiopathic. In some cases, a trigger can be identified – for instance a type of medication.

What are trigger hives?

Hives Triggers
Some food (especially peanuts, eggs, nuts and shellfish) Medications, such as antibiotics (especially penicillin and sulfa), aspirin and ibuprofen. Insect stings or bites. Physical stimuli, such as pressure, cold, heat, exercise or sun exposure. Latex.

What do hay fever hives look like?

However, hives can occur as a result of hay fever. The first symptoms you’ll notice are itchiness and possibly red patches or eruptions on the skin. These look more like welts than bumps, with edges that are clearly defined. The surface of the skin will appear swollen, almost as if you’ve been scalded.

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.

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 antihistamine is best for 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 to do if a horse has hives?

If your horse breaks out in hives more than once or if the hives don’t go away within a few days, a visit with your veterinarian is warranted. Your vet can also rule out other allergic responses from something like skin parasites or a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin.

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.

Can horses eat alfalfa every day?

Alfalfa is not good for all horses.
Alfalfa will fatten horses not burning the excess calories in alfalfa. You shouldn’t feed horses with liver or kidney problems high protein diets, including alfalfa. It’s is also not a good idea to feed endurance horses too much alfalfa.

How much alfalfa is too much for a horse?

Alfalfa Hay Feeding Limits – Alfalfa hay (bale, cube, or pellet) should not exceed more than 50% of the total forage consumed per day.

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.