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Sweet Itch is the common name for Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermititis.

Intense itching, hair loss, a thickening of the affected skin and flaky dandruff. Weeping sores may appear with a yellow crust of dried serum which, if left untreated, can trigger secondary infection. The lesions are commonly found along the spine mostly at the junction with the mane, forelock or tail, although in severe cases can affect the whole body.

Be prepared. Prevention is better than cure!
There are a range of anti-midge and sweet itch rugs available.
We recommend and supply various lotions.
Supplements such as NAF D-Itch can help in most cases.
Stabling at dusk and dawn when midges are at there most active may help.
Place mesh or netting over stable door.
Keep horses away from muckheaps, rotting leaves and keep water supply clean.

It is an allergic reaction to the saliva of the Cullicoides midge and, to a lesser extent, a member of the black fly family Simulium Equinum. Each of these insects has a preferred feeding site. The midge preferring the body and the black fly the ears.

Most of these midges are nectar feeders but soon after hatching, require a blood meal to mature their eggs.

The information provided in these sources should be used for guidance only. If you suspect your horse to be suffering from any medical condition you should always seek professional help from your Veterinarian.

Having a horse with behavioral problems can be a nightmare. There are many possible reasons that can be sorted through a process of elimination. Often pain through ill fitting tack can be the cause. Also have teeth, back and muscles checked. If he is not in pain, diet could be a factor. Cereals and sugar produce a high level of quick releasing energy which can cause naughtiness and spookiness. There are a good range of ways to feed without giving cereal. Calming supplements can also help.

How to Avoid Laminitis

The main priority is to monitor your horse or pony's grass intake carefully. If lots of grass is available then consider limiting this either by bringing the horse in, strip grazing or using a muzzle. As far as the concentrate part of the diet is concerned, try to keep the amount of cereals to a minimum and if possible use a cereal free diet. This can be achieved by using one of Dengie's range of feeds that are all based on alfalfa. Cereal feeding can be a thing of the past for your horse.

Top Tips

Try to keep the horse at a condition score of 2 (moderate), when using the 5 point system
Do not starve laminitics, maintain fibre intake at a minimum of 1 –1.5% of bodyweight
Where possible, choose a late cut, fibrous hay which will tend to have a lower sugar and fructan level than earlier cut hay. If in doubt consider having your hay analysed for WSC (water soluble carbohydrates)
Horses have a psychological need to chew; remember 1 Kg of cubes is less than 1 standard round scoop, compared to a bucket of HI-FI LITE!
Use a Dengie Measuring bucket for more accurate feeding – bear in mind one round scoop of Dengie HI-FI RANGE products only weighs 300g!