Hello Anthea!
A few questions for you in order to help:
1): How long has this condition been present?
2): What is your horse's living environment (stall, pasture, etc.)?
3): Where are you located and what is your weather like?
4): Has the medication you tried helped the condition at all?
5): Is there hair loss associated with the bumps?
6): Do the scabs come off when you are brushing him out, or when he is scratching? If so, what does the skin look like underneath the scab?
Thanks, and I'm looking forward to helping you.
Hello, and thanks for the quick reply!
From your description of your horse's condition, it sounds as if your horse is having an allergic reaction to either fly or insect bites. It is not uncommon to see a generalized allergic response over the entire body from one or two bites from the offending bug. Even if your horse has not had this problem before, we can all develop allergies later in life. The fact that the condition seems to improve with the powder may, indeed be coincidental, as allergic reactions can come and go with the offending insect. Also, as your weather is getting warmer, the insects are becoming more populous.
There are also some auto-immune diseases that can behave in this manner, but they are usually more severe. My recommendation for you is to have your horse examined by your Veterinarian. It may be necessary to take a few skin samples and some bloodwork to rule out auto-immune problems. Bloodwork can also often reflect an allergic response as well. Your Vet should then be able to prescribe the proper course of treatment to give your friend some long-lasting relief. Often, with insect allergies, thin blankets can help as well.
I truly hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any further questions.
Thanks and best of luck!
-Dan C.
Veterinarian
Equine Veterinarian. Owner/sole proprietor of mobile veterinary practice for ten years.