Open Air Equine

🚨The more you know, the more prepared you can be. Know the SIGNS and the PROTOCOLS for a Screw Worm infestation 🪱

BUG season is upon us. Let's know about Sweet Itch 🫣 Make sure you're checking your horse all over while grooming 🙏

It's MYTHBUSTERS time! 📢

❌ MYTH: Sweet itch is just normal summer itching.

✅ FACT: Sweet itch is usually insect bite hypersensitivity - an allergic reaction to bites from Culicoides midges. The hallmark sign is intense itching.

Sweet itch is the common name for an allergic skin reaction to bites from tiny midges, most often Culicoides. The biggest red flag is intense itching. Horses may rub the mane, tail, and other areas enough to damage the skin.

In many horses, the problem is seasonal, so prevention focuses on limiting insect exposure: stable during peak feeding times at sunrise and sunset, use fans and fine screens, reduce exposure to standing water, and work with your veterinarian on repellants and treatment options.

If you suspect that your horse is suffering from sweet itch, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Dr. Melinda Freckleton

Did you know that the hoof grows from the coronary band down? 👇 YES! And, because a full hoof wall takes ❗9 to 12 months❗ to grow from the coronary band to the ground, any improvements to hoof health and strength require long-term nutritional and environmental consistency 🤯

While hoof care is so important, you have to make sure that you are taking into account all the other aspects that goes into making a healthy hoof.

How many boxes have you got ticked?

All the things that are listed here are EQUALLY important!

Schedule your Equine First Aid clinic. Contact Brittany @ [email protected]