My horse is 15 years old and gets sweet itch every spring. Someone told me to add Flax seed meal to her diet. I’ve started that this winter. I’ve noticed a growth in her mane and tail but was wondering if it will help with the tail rubbing this spring. Thanks any info will be appreciated. – TB, Virginia
Dear TB,
That “someone” was right on! Several research studies have shown that supplementing horses with omega-3 fatty acids—such as those found in flax seed, chia seed and fish oil—actually reduces inflammation in the body. One study specifically looked at horses with “sweet itch” and found a significant decrease in allergic skin response when they were fed flax seed.
As you know, “sweet itch” is an allergic response to the bite of the insect Culicoides, also known as midges or no-see-um’s. “Sweet itch” is therefore an insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), the most common kind of allergic reaction in horses. In addition to causing horses to rub their manes and tails, “sweet itch” causes itching, crusting, hair loss and thickened skin on the dorsal (back) and ventral (belly) midline of the body. Other insects with different feeding patterns cause an allergic skin response in different parts of the body, such as the head or legs.
While the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are many and definitely include supporting skin health, MSM is another supplement you may want to consider for your horse. This potent antioxidant also has research supporting its use in allergic conditions, specifically recurrent airway obstruction or “heaves.” It is also reported to support the immune system as well as resilient skin, coat and hooves.
Don’t forget other measures to help your horse such as insect control (sheets with belly bands, keeping your horse inside at dusk and dawn, and eliminating standing water, decaying vegetation and manure from your property). Also, consider supplements with ingredients like garlic, brewer’s yeast, apple cider vinegar and others that are intended to deter insects. In the meantime, enjoy your horse’s improved mane, tail, coat and hooves, and the other benefits of omega-3 fatty acids!
Lydia F. Gray, DVM MA, currently serves as the Medical Director/Staff Veterinarian for SmartPak Equine. Prior to joining SmartPak, Dr. Gray served as the first-ever Director of Owner Education for the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She has authored numerous articles in publications such as The Horse, Horse Illustrated, Western Horseman and a variety of veterinary journals and magazines. Dr. Gray is also a frequent speaker at horse expos, veterinary conventions and other locations. After graduating with honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and receiving her Master's Degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, she practiced at the Tremont Veterinary Clinic for several years. Dr Gray is active in the American Veterinary Medical Association and Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and enjoys training and showing her trakehner Newman in her spare time. Find Dr. Gray on Google+: Find Dr. Gray on Google+
How much flax seed (oil or seeds) to you add to the diet?
Thanks for your question Shelly. We recommend that you consider a supplement with multiple sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, such as SmartOmega 3 Ultra which contains flax seed, fish oil, and chia seed. When supplementing with flax seed only, most horse owners feed 1-3 ounces per day.
SmartOmega 3 Ultra: http://bit.ly/Xy0FZn
My 13 year old QH has had scratches on his right hind leg on and off for years. We have used multiple products over the years and have obsess on clipping, wrapping and treating, etc. We have had many vet appointments and all have had us try something different. These scratches have never spread to his other legs and have not made him very lame. We have had little success with healing this and recently a friend told me to check with smart pak, maybe we can attack it internally with supplements? He does require a small dose of daily steroids during the spring and summer, as he is allergic to bug bites. I am unsure which biting bugs he is allergic to. Also the right side of his sheath also swells in the colder months, but also doesn’t seem to cause him pain. As I read my comment, I guess he really is a mess, are any of these things related and can I solve them without breaking the bank?
Hi KL – Thanks for your question! It looks like you already spoke with Paige from our Customer Care team and she was able to speak with you about a recommendation for your horse. If we can be of any additional assistance, please let us know!
Well, skin allergies are very common in horses specially in summers and that’s why proper care and cleanliness becomes more important for the horse in summers.