Mare With Belly Itching
We asked horse training expert Cheyanne West. More about Cheyanne

Question
Hello Cheyanne,
I own a 4-year-old Paint Mare and for a year now she has had a problem with itching her belly. The vet informs me that it’s caused by knats and to rub fly spray onto the swollen & infected portion of her belly. I think it maybe caused by something internally. I have tried applying Swat, citrollena/vaseline, Listerine, Calendula cream, different fly spays etc, and nothing seems to be helping. She is constantly itching and it never seems to be getting better.

Do you have any suggestions on this problem? Someone told me that it might be “sweet itch” but I really don’t understand what this is and what causes this. Any help that you can give me would be much appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Polly

Answer
Dear Polly,
This can be cleared up by making a tea tree oil salve. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can be found at Walmart in the antiseptic isle. Purchase a large container of petroleum jelly and place the container, lid off, in a saucepan filled half way with water. Place these on a low heat and liquefy. Pour 1/2 of the 1 ounce bottle of tea tree oil in and stir. Remove container from heat an allow this to set over night so it will harden. Smear this onto the affected area liberally. Tea tree oil is a natural insect repellent and will clear up the area nicely.

Cheyanne West C-Hom
www.AskCheyanne@TodaysHorse.com