Bald Patches under Mane

[NoviceNic]

I have noticed my Shetland has got a line of baldness under her mane. Starts from the back of her ears and down along the mane/neck. I hadn't worried before because we have a playful little Mini Shetland in with her. But I am worried in case it could be anything else. What do you all think??

[Mehitabel]

normally lice, in that place and at this time of year - has she been treated recently for them? it is exactly the right time of year for lice, a few of ours have had to be treated lately. they're also itchy with changing coats, and the occasional hot day will make them hot under a big shetland mane, so it might just be that. i'd treat for lice - it won't do any harm if she hasn't got them - and make sure i got on with de-fluffing as the summer coat comes through so she is not too hot. perhaps thin mane, if you're not planning on showing - i took about half of our half-shetland's mane out a while ago and he was much comfier and happier - and still had enough mane for three ponies!

[NoviceNic]

Do you just use lice powder as a preventative measure at this time of year anyway??

[Mehitabel]

you can do. we use it on anythat seem excessively itchy and anyone in the same field as them.

[Fuzz and This]

if your shetty does have lice then you can get a bottle of stuff called deosect from your vets. this stuff is the best stuff i have ever used for getting rid of them.

[artemis]

Probably just itchy with his coat casting. Mine always does it in the spring. Try seaweed powder in his feed. (check for lice as well though) The lice eggs are atached to the hair & can't be moved. :D