Poison Ivy allergy in horses?

[saanengirl]

Have any of you experienced problems with poison ivy or other plant-related contact dermatitis in horses?

We have three horses that exhibited signs of contact dermatitis (swollen legs with weepy skin and hives across other parts of their body) the day after a ride through the woods. One horse that went on the ride was unaffected, but three of four horses on that ride showed similar symptoms afterward. The rest of the herd has not shown symptoms so it is probably not something in the pasture.

Our veterinarian recommended washing with soap and water to remove irritants.

[starjj]

Interesting thread. See mine titled Sore above front hooves. I had the exact same problem with my mule after a ride in the woods. She started oozing a clear fluid and developed raw sores but just on her front legs just above the hoof line. Never did find out what it was and she still has some dry (now) flakes of skin but for awhile she was real tender about getting her hoof picked up. I did google about Poision ivy after a poster said horses don't get it and it said the same thing. Let me know if you find out what it is. I am afraid to take her back to the place where I rode her.

[Macybaby]

It's probably not poison ivy - wonder if they could have walked through an ant hill and got bit up real bad. Though you would think they would have been dancing at the time if that happened.

Typically, only Primates are sensitive to the irritant in poison ivy, We had it all over our pasture in WI, and I had to be very careful or I'd get it off the oil on the horse's skin from them walking through it. Never bothered the horses, dog or cats one bit. Goats and sheep love to eat it.

[wolffeathers]

Once on a trail, our group stumbled into some very unpleasant yellow jackets that just ate the horses legs and bellies up. Symptoms were similar on those who got the majority of it.

[Irish]

A long shot but maybe Sweet Itch?? I'm dealing with that on one of my horses, a half Arab. But it is caused by midges primarily. He is scratching like mad and I guess I'm going to douse him in Zonk-It till fly season is over.

[saanengirl]

The horses showed no symptoms prior to the trail ride and had acute symptoms afterwards. I doubt it is Sweet Itch. I saw no sign of mites, and the horses would have reacted to yellow jackets. I still think it is probably an allergic reaction to some type of plant.

[Irish Pixie]

Were the areas effected white? If so, it could be an allergic reaction and/or photosensitivity.