here - Australian College of Veterinary Scientists

an 80:20 mixture of evening primrose oil and cold water marine fish oil for a
minimum of 3 months gave promising results, with 4 horses better and 5 horses
much better than at the beginning of the study and 4 horses no better. However, the
double-blind placebo controlled trial subsequently conducted failed to demonstrate
any significant reduction in disease in the treated group (Craig et al 1997). Similar
results were obtained in a double-blinded cross-over study with omega-3 fatty acid
supplementation (Friberg and Logas 1999). However, a more recent study of
flaxseed supplementation in horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity reported reduced
skin test reactivity, concurrent with a significant decrease in the hair content of longchain
fatty acids (O'Neill et al 2002).
In spite of the lack of supportive controlled data in horses, many clinicians feel that
EFA supplementation is beneficial in some horses. The product DVM Derm Caps
100s given at doses of 1capsule per 50-100kg bodyweight is reported to be well
tolerated and effective in some horses.
Botanical extracts:
The use of plant and herb extracts in the management of canine atopic dermatitis
has received attention over recent years, with the development of a product
containing three plant extracts, derived from tradition Chinese remedies for human
atopic eczema (Phytopica). Whilst the author is unaware of any published data of
trials of plant extracts in the management of allergic horses, there is anecdotal
evidence of the benefits of oral administration of aloe vera liquid extract - doses of
150ml per horse per day suggested.
Topical therapies:
Regular bathing of atopic and insect-bite hypersensitive horses can be very helpful in
alleviating and ameliorating clinical signs. Products which may be useful include
colloidal oatmeal shampoos, either alone or in combination with other “soothing”
products such as aloe vera extract. Moisturisers can also be helpful. For localised
lesions witch hazel sprays and aloe vera gel extracts can be beneficial. In cases with
secondary infection and/or secondary seborrhoea, there are products with antiseptic
properties (chlorhexidine, chloroxylenol, ethyl lactate, benzoyl peroxide) and
keratoplastic properties (salicylic acid, tars, benzoyl peroxide) that may be
appropriately utilised.
Author's experience:
The outcome in the series of 24 cases discussed previously (Littlewood et al 1998)
serves to illustrate the author's personal experience in the management of equine
atopic dermatitis. Advice was given regarding changes to management and feeding
practices in an attempt to avoid or limit exposure to implicated allergens, with
additional advise regarding insect avoidance where appropriate. Where management
changes were insufficient to secure resolution or adequate improvement in clinical
ACVSC Proceedings Dermatology Chapter Science Week 2005 53