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Allergy treatment for horses
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Allergy Treatment for Horses

Allergies in horses can significantly affect their health, comfort, and performance. Whether your horse struggles with skin issues, respiratory symptoms, or reactions to insect bites, long-term management is essential for their wellbeing. 

While antihistamines and corticosteroids may offer temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause. For horses with confirmed allergic disease, immunotherapy is the only treatment that targets the allergy at its source. 

On this page:

What Is Immunotherapy? 

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (also known as desensitization) is a scientifically validated treatment that helps retrain the immune system to tolerate allergens over time. It involves administering gradually increasing doses of the allergens your horse is sensitized to.  

The goal of immunotherapy is to reduce the severity of allergic reactions and, in many cases, achieve long-term symptom control without the need for daily medications.  

How Immunotherapy Works 

Allergy testing (such as the blood test – PAX – Horse Allergy Xplorer) is used to identify specific allergens your horse is sensitized to. 

  1. A customized treatment formulation (Immunotherapy) is created based on the test results.
  2. The horse receives regular doses of these allergens—starting with very low amounts and gradually increasing—to promote immune tolerance.
  3. Over time, the horse’s immune response becomes less reactive, reducing clinical symptoms. 

Benefits of Immunotherapy for Horses 

  • Targets the cause, not just the symptoms
  • Can reduce or eliminate the need for steroids or antihistamines
  • Long-term, sustainable management
  • Suitable for environmental allergies and insect hypersensitivities
  • Can be administered at home 
  • Safe for long-term use with minimal side effects 

Does Immunotherapy Work in Horses? 

Yes—numerous studies and clinical experience support the efficacy of immunotherapy in horses. While individual results can vary, studies suggest that: 

Around 60–75% of horses show a significant improvement in clinical signs after 6–12 months of treatment. 

A 2013 study (Lomas et al., Equine Veterinary Journal) showed that 70% of horses with insect hypersensitivity improved with allergen-specific immunotherapy. 

A 2009 study (Wagner et al., Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology) found that horses treated for environmental allergens had a statistically significant reduction in skin lesions and itching. 

Improvements often become noticeable within a few months but may take 6–12 months for full effect. Most horses remain on maintenance doses long term. 

It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor progress over time and adjust dosage as needed. 

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