Basic HTML Version
An allergy to something means that a pony’s immune system overreacts
to normally harmless substances in their environment, for example to hay
or dust mites.
Ponies can have an allergic reaction, which can be painful and make
them very poorly, requiring a vet to give them treatment. It is important
to manage allergies to prevent allergic reactions from happening.
Ponies are commonly allergic to hay, straw, dust mites in stables and
barns and saliva from fly bites.
Ponies will often cough and have a snotty nose if they are allergic to hay;
the hay being dry and dusty often worsens it. An easy solution to this is
to soak the hay in water for at least 30 minutes or to switch your pony
to haylage gradually; this reduces the number of dust particles that your
pony is exposed to. Turning your horse out as much as possible
will help this allergy.
Some ponies may cough or be irritated by straw bedding,
simply switching them to shavings, shredded paper or rubber
matting can help them a great deal. This tends to be more
of a problem in the winter when horses are stabled
more frequently.
In the summer, some ponies are particularly allergic to fly
bites and can be very itchy or come out in lumps and
bumps. Using a good fly repellent is important as well as
using a fly rug for protection. Ensuring your horse is kept
away from stagnant water and muck heaps can reduce
their exposure to flies too!
Sometimes ponies can be allergic to something in their
field, like a pollen, keeping these ponies in their stable
helps protect them against allergic reactions.
Welcome...
TO THE SPRING 2014
XLVETS EQUINE PONY PAGE
Managing seasonal allergies
from Kerrie Winstanley BVetMed MRCVS, Castle Veterinary Practice Ltd
www.xlequine.co.uk