Dermatology Case Study

Urticaria

Urticaria is swelling of the skin secondary to contact with an allergen. i.e. something the horse is allergic to. This may be eaten, inhaled or a contact allergy. Most often, it is a dietary component which is seasonal. e.g. a type of grass or another seasonal plant which the horse has access to.

These urticarial changes are, therefore, commonly, a seasonal occurrence. The lumps may be small or large and dotted randomly over the body surface. If the lumps are just where the rug doesn’t cover, you would be expecting an insect involvement. The lesions may weep serum if the condition is severe.

Please contact your vet for advice if these lesions are present.