Pruritic Horse: Approach to Allergic Skin Diseases in Horses

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2024 Aug;40(2):219-235. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2024.05.002. Epub 2024 Jun 8.

Abstract

Allergy to insects is the most common skin allergy in horses. Pruritus in affected patients can be extreme. Face, ears, mane, and tail area are commonly affected areas. Diagnosis of insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is clinical and is based on history, clinical signs, and response to repellents. Allergy tests are not to be used for diagnostic purposes. Currently, there is no specific treatment for IBH other than insect avoidance, treatment of secondary infections, and symptomatic relief of pruritus. Many allergic horses become also sensitized to pollens. For these patients, allergen specific immunotherapy is beneficial.

Keywords: Allergies; Atopic dermatitis; Horses; Insect bite hypersensitivity; Pruritis; Skin; Urticaria.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Horse Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases* / therapy
  • Horses
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Hypersensitivity / veterinary
  • Insect Bites and Stings* / complications
  • Insect Bites and Stings* / immunology
  • Insect Bites and Stings* / therapy
  • Insect Bites and Stings* / veterinary
  • Pruritus* / etiology
  • Pruritus* / therapy
  • Pruritus* / veterinary
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases / therapy
  • Skin Diseases / veterinary