Discussion on Neck Itching Obsession
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Message |
    
gabby
New Member
Username: gabby
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, Dec 6, 2008 - 12:25 pm: |   |
My 14 year old john mule rubs his neck and front shoulders on tree trunks and fence posts to the extreme of rubbing patches of hair off down to the hide. He started this last spring during shedding but it continued through the summer. His winter coat looked thick and long until a week ago and then he started itching it off in patches. There is no dandruff, but an occasional cut probably from the wire-wrapped trees. The mule is in a pasture with a mare and gelding. They don't have a hair problem. We do have mosquito and fly problems during summer months but not in December. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Gabby |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 21917
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 5:18 am: | |
Welcome gabby,
We have an article that deals specifically with itching that has a list of possible causes that needs to be gone through. You will find it at Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin » Overview of Pruritis: Scratching & Rubbing.
DrO |
Shelley
Member
Username: sswiley
Post Number: 398
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 - 9:01 pm: | |
Gabby
I have two horses that do this, I think it is just a hereditary sensitive skin tendency with them ( I am sure this is not a medical term !). I started giving them ground flax seed everyday and within a couple weeks the itching was under control. I also live in CA and this last month I have noticed a resurgence of those annoying little nats with all of this warm weather. This could explain the itching starting up again. |
gabby
New Member
Username: gabby
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2008
| | Posted on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 - 12:42 pm: | |
Shelley, Thank You for the information. Please tell me how much flax seed you feed each day. I normally feed Equablend vitamins with rice bran along with ryegrass hay so I'll simply add the flax. I have never shopped for flax seed, but I'm sure my feed store will have it or be able to order it for me. |
