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Discussion on Very Itchy Cushings Horses
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New Member:
Miequine
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 - 4:57 pm:
I am looking for helpful suggestions on how to help keep two cushings horses comfortable. One is a 30 yr old mare, the other a gelding not much younger. They are used sparingly and carefully at our therapeutic riding program. They are under vet care and supervision, but both are extremely itchy and are rubbing themselves right through the stall walls. Does anyone have any ideas on how to help these guys feel more comfortable? Please advise.}
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 22, 2004 - 12:20 am:
Hi Lisa, You might try Extra Strength Gold Bond Medicated Powder, rubbed in the itchy spots. Dirt/dust won't stick to it like salves. My horse has allergies also. During the summer months via Vet's prescrip, she is on HyDrOxazine, and can take as much as 800 mgs a day. She orders the capsules for me, which I just DrOp in her supplements. She is also Cushings and is 22-1/2. Best of luck, Shirl
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 22, 2004 - 8:18 am:
The problem here Shirley is that we do not know why Lisa's horses are itchy: could be mites in which case the treatment you suggest will not be effective. The fact she has 2 horses itching makes allergy, which is not a contagious disease, less likely.
Lisa, you need to get a diagnosis before you can effecively treat this problem. To see a list of possibilities and how to diagnose them see, Equine Diseases » Skin Diseases » Overview of Scratching & Rubbing.
DrO
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Member:
Miequine
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 22, 2004 - 12:26 pm:
Thanks Doc and Shirley,
I guess we were figuring the itchy skin problem was directly associated with Cushings itself since these two are far more itchy than the rest of the herd. I will check out the allergy section Doc, but wonder if you know of specific cases where Cushings or Cushings meds cause itchy skin. We do not see flaking or lesions, so we figured it's more systemic. Your thoughts?
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Member:
Shirl
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 22, 2004 - 1:19 pm:
Dr. O: You are so right, I goofed on that one. My only excuse is it was past my bedtime!! I suspect it is something they are ingesting. Any new feed?
Sierra has never shown any itching from the Pergolide - she just has her usual 'summer itch' when it gets warm and humid. The best, Shirley
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 3:22 pm:
Well not goofed exactly Shirley, before this is all over with Lisa may be resulting to such symptomatic relief, it just is important to first consider all the possiblilities so nothing is overlooked.
Lisa, cushinoid horses are not typically pruritic in my experience unless they have a pruritic skin disease. There is a possible relation here though: cushinoid horses have impaired immune systems making them more prone to infection. Be sure to review our recommendations in the Cushinoid article for management.
If after a thorough exam you cannot find a cause for the itchyness you certainly should consider symptomatic relief. I have updated the information on symptomatic relief in the article Equine Diseases » Skin Diseases » Topic Overview of Scratching & Rubbing.
DrO
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