sweet itch??

[fionahogg]

Hello. I have recently noticed that when I bring my horse into the stable he starts to itch his tail against the wall. I haven't noticed him doing this before, in the stable or out in the field, but I have also noticed some tail hair on the gate, suggesting he does it in the field too. Could it be sweet itch? I have 'inspected' his tail, and have found no sign of any scabbiness, sores, etc. I thought it could also be lice, but would there be any form of scab/sore associated with them also?? If it is sweet itch, what product would you reccomend to get rid of it. I apply fly repellant every day, but he still itches!!

Many thanks, Fiona.

[DaveB]

Use Benzyl Benzonate diluted with water, or contact your vet because there is an injection available for it, but I am unsure of the name.

[Wally]

Give him a dose of "Switch" this will get rid of lice and help with the sweet itch. Benzyle benzoate will soothe the irritation.

[evevavra]

Some horses will do that if wormmy. Maybe re-evaluate your worming program!

[Sidesaddle]

I have exactly the same problem with my horse and am sure it is not sweet itch or other parasites.
I am considering getting his droppings checked to see if his worming program is working, or it is dealing with all the types of worms around. Someone has suggested to me that pin worms can cause this problem !

I have also read the site that has been mentioned regarding sheath cleaning for Harvey. This mentions that if the sheath is not cleaned regularly that this problem can occur. This would make more sense to me as I have been very lax this year with keeping my gelding clean in that area. I didn't have this problem last year when I was a bit more active with the hygene. I'll let you know if it helps.

[whispers mum]

Just a word of warning, when asking for the Benzyl stuff at a chemist, look round and wait until the shop is empty.
This stuff is used to treat scabies in humans and nobody told me. I asked for it in a packed chemist and wondered why the chemist and some customers looked at me strangly before taking a step back, especially when I asked for the biggest bottle they had !!!!!!!!

[fionahogg]

sidesaddle...i think if it's true that not cleaning the sheath regularly can cause the horse to itch his tail, we may have the same problem! but then again i've not noticed monty itching since i started this thread so it may remain a mystery as to why he suddenly developed a ticklish tail!
fiona :0