My mare has sweet itch all along the line of her stomach but mostly around her belly button?

Question

I feel so sorry for her. We have tried everything but the only thing that really seems to help is a coat of vaseline over the areas where the midges bite her. I found this by accident after I had tried everything I had heard of that might help (and didn't). One day her stomach was all scabby so I applied Neosporin and found that she started healing. I then realized it wasn't so much the Neosporin as it was the fact the midges were unable to bite through this barrier. I wish I could find something else that worked as well because I would hate to have a coat of vaseline on my stomach in the heat of the summer. Also, does anyone give their horse benadryl for the itch. I have heard of this and called my vet but she is out of town and I am curious to know so I am asking you guys. Sometimes you come up with the best answers. Your amazing and have helped me so much. I recently read about a vaccine for sweet itch. I don't think it has come out on the marked yet though. Does anyone know anything about this? As always, Much Thanks to all of you.

partly cloudy · Accepted Answer

Ive tried all kinds of stuf but found MTG works best.  Stinks really bad though.  will heal in about 2 days.  I would not recommend Benadryl unless you get a def ok from the vet.  in the past I have had azium powder prescribed for really itchy skin stuff... might want to check into that.  but for now, try the mtg.  put it on a small test spot and look at it in 24 hours.  if no adverse reaction should be safe to use.  I use it on both my grey and chestnut horses .

? · Answer

Shave right away you could have something hiding in your belly-button. Just kidding Family Guy episode. But really If you have a lot of hairy places on your body like stomach or back you should shave not only does it allow sweat build up but it is not attractive.

My mare has sweet itch all along the line of her stomach but mostly around her belly button?

2 Answers