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  Discussion on Super sensitive to allergens or dust? Rubs til ulcers form.
Author Message
Member:
edsgirl

Posted on Friday, Jul 1, 2016 - 7:31 pm:

I have a 21 yo TB gelding - have written about before. Are some horses so sensitive to their environment that they have to react like the princess and the pea? I refer to him rubbing his eyes- the rubs create small ulcers which I can identify immediately (due to his symptoms) and treat. In this case, with my vets approval, erythomycin ointment 3x daily. The ulcer, if I get to it immediately, clears within 4-5 days.

I am careful to monitor for normal healing - have not been getting stain or vet visit but keeping my vet appraised of his eye condition. We have had an opthamologist examine his eye for scars, and she was unable to find, even in a deep exam, anything to indicate his frequent ulcers. He's had about 9 instances of corneal abrasion over 2-3 years. Right now its his left eye, and if it weren't for the two Eyesaver masks I bought, one for each eye, we would have had much worse healing times. They are great!

Another princess and pea example: we were out hand walking when suddenly he was beside himself, dancing around, throwing his head, biting at his belly. A lady observing this thought he had colic. I looked at his belly, and there was a tiny 1/4 inch fiber of hogfuel on the tummy skin. I removed it. Presto. Normal horse!

So my question. Is this common for horses to be so sensitive? He's the only TB in the barn. Is he lacking something in his diet?!
Member:
gramsey1

Posted on Friday, Jul 1, 2016 - 9:13 pm:

The Thoroughbred is a hot blood horse. "Hot blooded" breeds include the Akhal-Teke, the Arabian, Barb and now-extinct Turkoman horse, as well as the Thoroughbred, a breed developed in England. Hot bloods tend to be spirited, bold, and learn quickly.
They are put into training at a very young age, and are expected to perform at world class levels at two and three years old. This can lead to psychological problems. A skilled and patient trainer can usually help them overcome their problems and find a new job. Every horse is different. Be safe.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Jul 2, 2016 - 2:49 pm:

Hello PJ,
No horses, including TB's, are not usually this sensitive and as to whether his diet may be the cause it seems unlikely. However if the eye problem is immune related you might consider increasing his exposure to omega-3s to see if this helps ameliorate his symptoms.
DrO
Member:
edsgirl

Posted on Sunday, Jul 3, 2016 - 12:52 am:

Hmm. He is currently on DHA Omega 3 as well as camelina oil (false flaxseed oil) which is high in o-3. I think I'll start washing his face with plain water. Maybe its a buildup of dust and pollens! LOL.
Today he was rubbing his nostrils against his stall walls. Gah! So I felt just inside his nostrils (which he liked) and massaged some crusty bits out of his nose. I love him but he can drive me nuts.
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