Caring for a Horse That Got Stung by a Bee

Horses are vulnerable to a variety of potentially aggressive insects known as social stingers, especially during the summer months when these creatures experience a heightened temperament. In most cases, they pose little serious threat to an equine's health, and most stings are quickly remedied with minimal effort. The occasion does arise, however, when stings become an issue better left to a trained vet. Dr. Nancy S. Loving, DVM, offers this advice: ̶0;Should your horse exhibit excessive swelling, irritability, pain or hives, he is potentially having a bad reaction to the insect venom. Usually it̵7;s best to arrange veterinary evaluation and treatment rather than wait until a more serious issue develops." In cases of shallow breathing or difficulty in removing the stinger, it's also appropriate to seek the help of a professional.

  1. Looking for Signs Of A Sting

    • Bees, along with hornets, wasps and fire ants will sting and bite in order to protect their nests and keep intruders at bay. Many times, this happens when the horse's owner is not in the vicinity. Signs to be aware of include small patches of inflammation and minor irritation on the skin. Sensitive areas like the eyes and muzzle are prone to very pronounced swelling. Serious problems may arise with multiple stings and so once one is discovered, it's prudent to check immediately for others.

    Initial Treatment

    • If the stinger is still present, it's important to extract it from the horse slowly and gently. Added pressure may cause the remaining venom in the sac to shoot back into the horse's skin. Ice packs work well to prevent secondary swelling; 15 minutes of application is sufficient and also reduces painful burning sensations. A baking soda poultice held to the site of the sting will further combat inflammation and keep the horse as comfortable as possible.

    Special Considerations

    • Bee stings that strike the horse's head or other sensitive areas need to be watched closely for signs of more serious problems. If the stinger is not visible, it may be that the horse was bitten or stung by something else. Always give the animal a good once-over to determine whether it is developing hives or other signs of allergic reaction. If you suspect your animal has just been stung, casing the area to look for immediate threats may prevent the same thing from happened again, to the horse or to yourself.

    Preventative Measures

    • Horse owners need to be very familiar with the land their animals roam. Trailers, sheds and barns are common nesting areas for bees, and periodic inspections help prevent potential problems from arising. Don't underestimate the number of places a hive might take up residence; they can just as easily be found in wooded areas and especially in hollowed-out logs and similar places. Bees and their hives are usually easier to eliminate than the underground nests of some kinds of wasps, but allergic and safety considerations still apply while in the process of safely exterminating them.