I am battling hives and a horse that itches very bad.  I am on my second summer with him and I have done quite a bit of research.  While I understand the insects are most likely the cause and there are measures to take to shield him from them, in my world I am not able to always keep him in that environment.  For instance, a fly sheet becomes too hot, etc.  Anyway, I am looking for any supplement that has helped.  I have given dex some, but I really don't like to do that unless I really have to. 

Most recently I have had some luck with the Santa Cruz UltraCruz Equine Skin and Allergy.  While the hives are somewhat controlled, he still itches a lot. 

I have also read Platinum delivers great results.  Any other suggestions?

I have tried cortisone shots several times, benadryl, dex, pineapple juice, THE custom hive mix, Anti hist, and now the Ultra Cruz.  My vet said you just have to keep trying things to see what might work and keep him in an environment free of insects.  

Vetalog.  We start the shots as soon as we notice a hint of him itching.  Results are almost instantaneous.  Usually takes three shots over the summer.

He also got good results with the Platinum Allergy Formula, but the Vetalog is much easier and more cost effective. 

Never heard of that one.

Well, wait, that's similar to dex though.....kind trying to stay away from anything that's going to make sore feet.  :(

Thank you though.

Believe it or not FORCO. I had one that got big oozy hives and was allergic to everything...... DOuble forco and it cleared up in 3 days.. Even dex quit working. 

Have you had your vet do any allergy testing? That way it will tell you exactly what your horse is allergic too, whether it’s a bug, tree, or grass

I have had really good luck with the colostrum from Biostar, one tiny scoop twice a day.  

FORCO?  No, never thought of that.  Had you tried other stuff too?  Sounds like an odd solution, but thanks!

If FORCO worked for you, your horse may have a soy allergy. You might try taking that out of the diet.

No, haven't tried any testing.  My vet didn't suggest that.  I was a little puzzled, but he's not one to try real hard at something.  How is treatment different if they find what they are allergic to?

If you do allergy testing make sure you do the skin patch testing.  They will shave an area an inject small amounts of things your horse might be allergic too- just like in people.  They can draw blood but it is not as accurate.  once you get the results they will make you a vial to start injections -under the skin.  They usually do every 3 days for 2 weeks, then 1 week, then 1x every 2 weeks unitl you get to 1x a month.  Works very well.  You need to test later in the fall when allergens have settled down.  Ive heard there is a vet in Athens TX that does horses.  You'll have to check your area. Its not that expensive in the long run.  Ive had a couple like yours and its not fun for you or your horse.  Good luck

So not that it is nearly fall shall I wait till the spring to do the testing?  JW if it's worth doing it now thinking cooler weather won't be too far away.

I would test him when the hives are at it's worst. 

Santa Cruz is a really good company, I would look into the UltraCruz Equine skin and Allergy Supplyment they have.. I have never used it but have used their other products for my dogs and they have worked really well. 

Sounds like you need a new vet. One that will try hard to help your horse. 

I think until you have allergy testing done, you are going to be guessing.  None of the antihistamine products worked for my mare.  It turned out she is allergic to dust mites.  EquiSpot has worked pretty well for her. 

So would FORCO just work for a soy allergy?  Do you know why it worked for her?