Queensland itch, also known as summer eczema, or 'sweet itch' is a condition that primarily affects horses during warm weather. It is characterised by intense itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation, usually around the mane and tail areas. Prevention and early intervention are key to managing this condition effectively.
Soon you will start seeing miracle cures for Itch appearing in your insta feed. Here are 5 common 'treatments' to avoid and why.
Garlic. We have known since 1972 that the toxic dose for a horse is less than 5mg per kilo of bodyweight. Furthermore, there are no studies that show feeding garlic repels insects. At best a dilution of garlic applied topically might help repel insects, but if you're going to spray on an insect repellant, why not use a fly spray that is proven to be effective at repelling insect and is not toxic to horses? There are plenty of neem-based insect repellents out there if you're looking for something natural.
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs commonly used in horses to treat various conditions, including arthritis and allergic reactions. It quickly addresses Itch symptoms. Yay!
Predictable side effects include: laminitis, delayed wound healing, muscle wasting, gastric ulcers, ulcers may also occur in the mouth, oesophagus and caecum. Nephrotoxicity (kidney injury) may result from corticosteroid therapy, glaucoma (blindness), miscarriage, premature foaling and retarded growth in foals suckling from mares on steroids - also, occasional death.
Sulfur. Sufficient sulfur is supplied by forage. Sulfur competes with zinc for absorption in the gut. Zinc is usually deficient in forage, so if you don't supplement adequate zinc and add sulfur you are contributing to the zinc deficiency. The most common symptom of a zinc deficiency is skin issues like Itch. So in other words, adding sulfur is likely to make it worse.
A sulfur and lime solution applied topically is shown to be useful in treating mange and, anecdotally feather-mite in Shires.
Apple cider vinegar is supposed to work as a natural insect repellant. There is not much research to support that, but it's unlikely to hurt your horse if you want to give it a try. It's also used as a mane and tail conditioner, so it might make them shiny?
Essential oils - peppermint, lavender, tea tree, chamomile etc. diluted into a carrier oil and applied topically.
Oils in the blend were camphor, may chang, peppermint, lemongrass and patchouli. 20 horses were included in the placebo controlled trial. The majority of horses showed an improvement - including 2 horses receiving the placebo. One horse receiving the active blend did not improve. The study was paid for by the company selling the blend. Hmm.
When your horse is well, tinker around the edges with essential oils. Maybe it helps? They'll smell great!
If your horse is bald, scabby and miserable, use a fly spray. While I am a big supporter of using natural remedies as much as possible, if midges are the cause, and your horse is going to injure themselves, maybe use a more proven insect repellent - rug, fly mask, medicated washes, and nutritional support until symptoms have abated.
What Actually Works for Queensland Itch?
There is research on effective treatments for Itch and we've written about them before. See the links below. Plus plenty of anecdotal evidence from close to 20 years of nutrition consults. It is treatable with vigilance.
In short, supplying adequate zinc supports immune function and healing and is great for all kinds of skin issues - not just Itch. All of our Trace Mixes supply optimal zinc.
We also have a 'skin fix bundle' which includes a zinc-based shampoo that helps to quickly combat a range of skin issues.
Linseed also has quantifiable improvements in skin health in cases of Itch (links to research in the article below).
Like most conditions that arise from a nutritional deficiency, it's best not to wait until symptoms of the deficiency manifest. If your horse suffers from itch in summer (and they really do suffer) you need to start now.
It's not a miracle. If your horse was super itchy last year - this year you will see a reduction in symptoms, but not necessarily a complete resolution. It will depend on the individual horse. We do get lots of positive feedback:
After one week on this my Colts itch has disappeared entirely, and not even at full dose yet, he had a zinc deficiency & Sound Advice advised correctly & accordingly. He seemed to take to it no problem as well given the taste, Thanks so much guys 👍
We always encourage owners to take photos so you can track improvements. Over time all kinds of symptoms of zinc deficiency - skin/coat/hoof health, wound healing, immune function generally - will resolve.
Comments