Switch Lotion for Sweet Itch - 250ml

Description

Switch Lotion for Horses

Switch Lotion is an external pour-on liquid to aid control of Sweet Itch in Horses & Donkeys

Description4% w/v (4 g/100ml) Permethrin

Sweet Itch in Horses

Sweet Itch is a common and frustrating skin condition in horses, caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting insects, particularly Culicoides midges. These tiny insects are most active during the warmer months, particularly at dawn and dusk, and are drawn to areas with stagnant water. When they bite a horse, some horses develop a hypersensitivity to the proteins in the midge’s saliva, leading to the condition known as Sweet Itch.

• Symptoms of Sweet Itch: The main symptom of Sweet Itch is intense itching, especially around the base of the mane, tail, and along the midline of the horse’s body. Horses suffering from Sweet Itch will often scratch themselves excessively, which can lead to further skin damage. In severe cases, the constant scratching can result in open sores, hair loss, thickened skin, and secondary infections.

• Affected Areas: Sweet Itch typically affects areas of the horse’s body where midges are most likely to bite. The base of the mane, the tail, and the withers are commonly affected. The belly and groin area may also be susceptible, particularly in horses that lie down in grassy or muddy areas where midges congregate.

• Impact on Horses: Sweet Itch can have a significant impact on a horse’s quality of life. The constant itching and irritation can cause distress and discomfort, leading to behavioural changes such as restlessness, irritability, and a reluctance to be handled. In severe cases, the skin damage caused by scratching can take a long time to heal and may require additional veterinary care.

Managing Sweet Itch with Switch Lotion

Managing Sweet Itch requires a multi-faceted approach, but one of the most effective ways to control the condition is through the regular use of insect repellents and treatments like Switch Lotion. By preventing insect bites, Switch Lotion helps stop Sweet Itch from developing or worsening, allowing the horse’s skin to heal and reducing the need for more intensive treatments.

• Preventative Care: Applying Switch Lotion at the start of the insect season is an effective way to prevent Sweet Itch from occurring. Regular application during the summer months, when midges are most active, helps protect the horse’s skin from insect bites and reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions.

• Treatment of Existing Sweet Itch: For horses already suffering from Sweet Itch, Switch Lotion can help manage the condition by stopping further insect bites and allowing the skin to heal. Itching is reduced, and the horse experiences less irritation, making it less likely to scratch and cause further damage to the skin.

• Long-Term Management: Sweet Itch is a recurring condition, and horses prone to it will need ongoing care and protection. Switch Lotion provides a long-lasting solution that can be incorporated into a routine management plan. Alongside other measures, such as stabling during peak midge activity times and using physical barriers like fly sheets, Switch Lotion helps keep Sweet Itch under control.

Dosage
Switch Lotion is a ready to use solution that should be applied at a rate of 1 ml per 10 kg bodyweight to a maximum of 40 ml.

Apply Switch Lotion using the calibrated dispensing chamber incorporated into the applicator bottle. Apply the measured dose in roughly equal portions to the mane and rump avoiding the saddle area.

Treatment with Switch Lotion for Horses should be started at the beginning of the sweet itch season and repeated as necessary. If horses and donkeys are to be groomed apply Switch after grooming.

250ml Bottle