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  Discussion on Treating pregnant mare
Author Message
Member:
lexi

Posted on Monday, Sep 22, 2008 - 4:52 pm:

Hi I recently bought a mare who has been running for 2 months with a stallion so is likely to be in foal. She is in a bit of a state as she has not been touched for 15months so needs feeding up and TLC. I have wormed her with Ivermectin as I know this is safe in pregnancy but I noticed her stamping and scratching today - she has lots of feather and swollen pasterns so I'm guessing mites -she is scurfy on her fetlocks -but is it safe to dose at 14 day intervals if she is in foal? Also what washes/powder would be safe to use? Thank you.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 - 8:33 am:

Ivermectin has been tested in pregnant mares at much higher levels than what you describe so should be considered safe. In general you should avoid organophosphates in pregnant mares but if used judiciously, that is follow label directions scrupulously, is not likely to cause harm. It would be my last choice of treatment however: start with the ivermectin.
DrO
Member:
lexi

Posted on Thursday, Sep 25, 2008 - 10:48 am:

Thanks - I note in your article that the ivermectin is likely to reduce numbers but may not eradicate the mites. The mare is in solitary detox paddock at the moment and I want her to be turned out to relax with the herd as soon as she is clear. I will repeat the ivermectin on day 14 (just the 2 treatments or a 3rd after another 14 days?) and someone has recommended washing her legs in benzyl benzoate solution in the meantime. Is this safe in pregnancy and is it likely to help? Thanks again
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Sep 26, 2008 - 8:58 am:

Probably safe but not effective for mites as far as I know, this is an antimicrobial.
DrO
Member:
lexi

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 - 8:54 am:

Hi
I have a lice/mite problem with the same mare again who is definately in foal (due June)and I am also in the family way! My question is as ivermectin seems to have left something still causing itchiness is it safe for either/both of us to use Front line/Permethrin sprays (or is this organophosphate?) The vet also suggested 'seleen'shampoo for dog dermatitis - is this safe in pregnancy as I forgot to ask!
Thanks
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Mar 19, 2009 - 7:59 am:

Though I do not know of any studies in pregnant mares "Frontline" is considered safe for pregnant dogs. I don't know what seleen shampoo is so I don't really know. It also strikes me that you got 4 months of relief using ivermectin so this could be repeated until the mare foals then addressed with other medications.
DrO
Member:
lexi

Posted on Saturday, Mar 21, 2009 - 2:56 pm:

Thanks Dr O but if I'm totally honest I've been ignoring the fact that she is still stamping and rubbing her fetlocks on her belly and just wishing it would go away as the ivermectin didn't seem to relief her discomfort and now am too guilty to ignore it anymore although I am repeating the ivermectin. The Seleen bottle says '1% w/v selenium sulphide Ph. Eur' and says it's for seborrhoeic dermatitis - would this be safe to use in pregnancy? Also I have louse powder (p-menthane-3.8-diol 0.8% w/v)that I could try incase it's lice if this is safe? Thanks again
Member:
lindas

Posted on Sunday, Mar 22, 2009 - 11:12 am:

My specialty is small animals, so I can't speak from experience for the horse that is expecting, but I would be very cautious using any chemicals if you are expecting. I avoided them when I was pregnant, it is just not worth the risk. Always wear thick rubber gloves to protect yourself if you must use chemicals.

I often use lime sulfur dip for dogs with certain types of mites, don't know if it would help here but would probably be safe for the mare. It also works well for ringworm fungus. You should wear gloves to be safe. It stinks like a sewer, but it works well for sarcoptic mites and some others used weekly for 4-5 weeks. Maybe Dr. O will be able to say if it might help in this case.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Mar 22, 2009 - 7:37 pm:

I am unfamiliar with the shampoo and cannot find any information on treatment of mites with it. I am also unfamiliar with the louse powder Jo but researching suggests this is a insect repellant and not a mitacide.

I think DrS's idea of lime sulfur is worth pursuing. It is inexpensive, usually available everywhere (if you cannot find it at your feed store check a landscapping firm), and generally considered safe for pregnant animals. I have not used it in horses but our small animal veterinarian uses it for some type mange though usually as a second choice.
DrO
Member:
lindas

Posted on Monday, Mar 23, 2009 - 8:38 am:

I believe that selenium sulfide is just an ingredient that breaks up crusts in skin conditions that are crusty and oily. I do not believe that it will kill mites.

Some sarcoptic mites are becoming resistant to ivermectin, prompting us to use the lime sulfur as an alternative. There are other products for use on dogs, but the lime sulfur works well. I don't like to use it because it stinks! If you have trouble finding it try a small animal vet. It is sold as a product called Lym Dip. The only mite it does not work on is demodectic mange mite, which as far as I remember does not infect horses. The Selenium sulfide shampoo might be helpful to break up crusts before spraying on the lime sulfur, enabling the product to penetrate the skin and kill the mites.
Member:
lexi

Posted on Monday, Mar 23, 2009 - 5:29 pm:

Thanks everyone, the lime sulphur sounds a great option - what strength solution should I use and how often? Do you leave it on or wash it off after a while? I'm so looking forward to watching my mare graze in comfort without stamping!
Member:
lexi

Posted on Thursday, Mar 26, 2009 - 5:54 am:

Hi - yippeee the Lime sulphur has arrived-it's in concentrated solution - how much should I dilute it and is it best as a spray or wash? Thanks
Member:
lindas

Posted on Saturday, Mar 28, 2009 - 10:15 pm:

I usually dilute 1 part lime sulfur to 4 parts water, but it depends on how concentrated the original solution is. If you bought a solution that is labeled for animal use there should be instructions on the bottle. I would wash the animal with a shampoo to break up the crusts and after rinsing the soap off you can sponge the lime sulfur on or spray it, until it is dripping wet. Do not rinse it off and do not towel dry. If it is bitterly cold outside I would toss a blanket on and walk the horse until it dries. Hope it helps!
Member:
lexi

Posted on Friday, Apr 3, 2009 - 3:06 pm:

Thanks. I couldn't find any veterinary lime sulphur in Uk and the only stuff I could buy was for bonsai trees! It gets rid if pests at a 1:25 solution for deciduous trees and 1:35 for evergreens if that is any help - it doesnt actually say how strong the stuff in the bottle is but does have a warning - highly caustic alkaline solution, always wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus and keep away from fish and animals. Does anyone have any ideas of how much it should be diluted to be safe but effective? (any horsey bonsai tree growers out there?!!!)
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Apr 4, 2009 - 9:33 am:

Jo it should be readily available from your veterinarian, here it is ubiquitously available. Is there some national ban on this?
DrO
Member:
lexi

Posted on Friday, Apr 10, 2009 - 11:54 am:

HI
I had no luck with my vet as he had never heard of it (Lime sulphur or Lym Dip) and its not listed on any UK veterinary suppliers lists on internet so I'm stumped as to the UK/US divide regarding this treatment. I will try a dilute 1:20 patch test I think as the poor mare is lying down rubbing her hind feathers on her underbelly to ease the itch!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Apr 10, 2009 - 6:34 pm:

Is the concentration of your product listed on the bottle Jo?
DrO
Member:
lexi

Posted on Monday, Apr 13, 2009 - 7:58 am:

No unfortunately it just says lime sulphur and the blurb about being a highly caustic alkaline solution and to dilute 1:25 for deciduous trees 1:35 for evergreens!
Member:
lindas

Posted on Monday, Apr 13, 2009 - 8:52 pm:

I'll check my books on the lime sulfur and see what I can find. My old books that I have at home are not telling me anything, but I have some up to date references at the office. Will check and let you know.
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