What Are the Treatments for Welts on Horses?

Welts on horses usually appear around the neck and shoulders, though they may also appear on other areas of the body, including the legs and flanks. Skin reactions of this kind are usually mild and will clear up within a few days, though chronic welts are generally indicative of larger allergy issues. These welts may or may not itch. Either way, there are numerous remedies that will help to reduce if not eliminate this skin disorder.

  1. Causes

    • The causes of welts, or hives, in horses include allergic reactions to antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as topical treatments such as fly spray and other ointments. Allergic reactions may occur due to pollen and mold in the air, or because of digestive issues, though hives due to digestive issues are rare. Horses may also get welts as as a reaction to food or laundry detergents used on saddle blankets and the like.

    Nutritional Supplements

    • Feed your horse nutritional supplements to clear welts, as welts or any allergic reaction are the result of imbalances in the animal's immune system. Recommended supplements include flax and hemp, as both contain Omega-3 fatty acids that contribute toward healthy skin. Use whole seed or naturally stabilized ground seed, and feed your horse 4 to 6 oz. of the stuff twice daily. Do not use ground flax that has not been stabilized as it can spoil quickly. Vitamin C also helps regulate the immune system, so give your horse about 5 grams (about .18 oz.) of vitamin C daily to treat welts.

    Aromatherapy

    • Aromatherapy treatments are another means of combating welts on horses. Eucalyptus, myrtle, rosemary, spearmint and lemon essential oils are recommended for the treatment of welts and should be combined with water or a carrier oil in a spray bottle. Recipe ideas include three drops of myrtle with two drops of rosemary in 8 oz. of distilled water, and two drops each of lemon and eucalyptus and five drops of myrtle in 4 oz. of grapeseed oil. Shake water-based recipes well before spraying affected areas. Rub oil-based recipes into affected areas.

    Herbs and Other Remedies

    • Herbal treatments for welts on horses include spirulina, a strain of blue-green algae that grows in fresh water. Spirulina is rich in minerals, vitamins, protein, omega 3 and omega 6 oils, and amino acids. It has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties and works to combat allergies. Feed your horse 1/2 to 1 tbsp. of spirulina each day.

      Other treatments for welts include simply hosing your horse down with cool or warm water. This will relieve any itching and should help calm the inflamed skin. Adjust the temperature of the water depending on what your horse prefers.