Urticaria in Horses or Nettle Rash

About Urticaria

Urticaria in a horse is simply an allergic reaction of the skin to

1.Items in the diet
Irritants such as stinging nettles (nettle rash) or some shampoos
Flybites
Or sometimes certain drugs (e.g. antibiotics).

Should I call my vet? Call your vet if

The head becomes swollen
If fluid is leaking from the skin
Your horse appears worried by the condition
There is no improvement after one day
If the condition appears to be a reaction to drugs. Your vet will probably treat the condition with antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. Be careful with your horses diet and avoid barley and high energy foods. Just feed a bran mash at first with perhaps Epson salts. If the problem is related to something in the food 5 days of Psyllium may be useful to clean the bowels out.

How to avoid the condition of Urticaria

Try and pinpoint what is actually causing the problem and of course avoid it
Get rid of irritants in the field such as stinging nettles
Protect your horse from flies.

Test new skin products on a small area of skin first and be careful of detergents you use for cleaning rugs etc.

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Urticaria in Horses or Nettle Rash