VERY SENSITIVE SKIN FROM INSECT BITE

Question
I HAVE A 9YR.OLD MARE WITH SENSITIVE SKIN IF A FLY OR MOSQUITO BITE SHE GETS HARD KNOTS UNDER THE SKIN. SHE RUB OUT HER AND ACTS LIKE SHE IS ICTHY. WE HAVE TIRED FLY CONTROLS IN BARN, SPRAY, VANILLA, AND BATHING. SHE EAT OATS AND GOOD COSTAL THAT WE GROW. SHE IS A GOOD ROPING HORSE BUT I FEEL SO BAD FOR HER. THE VET GAVE HER A SHOT OF CORTISONE AND IT MAY HAVE HELPED BUT CAN'T GIVE TO OFTEN. WE ALSO TIRED ANTIHISTAMINES IN HER FEED IT HELPED BUT SHE GETTING WORSE EACH YEAR.  THANKS WILMA

Answer
Dear Wilma,

It sounds like your mare is having a very uncomfortable time.  I have seen very itchy horses make drastic improvements when they are on a balanced diet.  Skin and hoof issues are often signs that the underlying diet is not balanced.  Unless you are feeding a mineral supplement that specifically addresses the minerals that are missing and out of balance in your hay the horses diet will not be balanced and therefore the horse will be unable to fully meet challenges put upon its immune system by attacks by such things as flies.  There are additional supplements you cn give that help but these will not work as effectively unless the diet is first balanced.

If you would like help in acheicing a balanced diet for your mare based on the specific hay and amount of grain she is eating I would be happy to work with you.

Best regards,

Clair Thunes, Phd
Independent Equine Nutrionist,
Equilibrate Equine Consulting,
www.equilibrateequine.com
info@equilibrateequine.com