Anyone have experience with treating stings? My horse found a ground nest and was stung multiple times. Most of her small herd (6 horses) have at least 20 stings, she has the most. She’s VERY itchy. Vet was called and saw her but says she doesn’t need Dex just yet. She will be back in 2 days if they don’t subside. So far shes been bathed in antiseptic, sprayed with a skin soothing aloe and oatmeal spray and swat applied. Anything else I can do? They’ve been moved to a different field but so far we haven’t found the nest. She’s moving off property in 3 days
Lanacaine First Aid spray stops the pain almost immediately, also dials down any swelling. At all drug counters.
It must be the time of year as my new rescue dog just found some on my farm and a day later my son got into
a nest in my hay stall.
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Permoxin, you can spray or sponge or brush all over.
Oh and I gave her some bute. They look like hives but when all 6 had them BO called the vet immediately. They said stings for sure. She just seems itchy
I’m surprised vet wouldn’t give Dex. I keep a bottle on hand because my mare will pop out in an allergic reaction about once a year, no clue as to the culprit. Like a week after we moved to Florida she found herself a ground nest and was one very unhappy mare with a body full of stings and hives. She immediately got Dex, followed by antihistamines for 10 days. Do you have antihistamines?
A ground nest of what? What stung your horses?
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benadryl and banamine with cool baking soda baths
@Shagyas Rock Ground bees. They are a type of bee that makes a nest in the ground. They become very aggressive this time of year trying to protect their nest and stored food supply for winter.
Both mine got stung last week, only twice but the mini got zapped above his eye and one of his nostrils and was pretty uncomfortable. I gave them their antihistamines (each one is on a different antihistamine for different reasons 
) and that helped.
Bought the Lanacaine First Aid spray but it was actually a cream- whoops. Still slathered the entire tube on her neck.
Also deep woods offed the ever loving crap out of her and have instructed the BO to continue with that for the next 2 days. The bugs are BAD. I am so looking forward to frost!!!
I think vets may be conservative here with steroids? The bumps had come down in the 8 hours post bath & skin soother. Likely 30% decreased in height/depth. They are also starting to crust and she’s rubbed some hair out already. I had to cut her mane from “Retired trail horse” length to “working/showing hunter horse” length because she was too darn itchy with it.
I usually keep at least 2 or 3 cans of the Lanacaine First Aid Spray around at all times. It’s helpful for all kinds of
bites and rashes. Mosquito bites also.
Mine did this. I didn’t see the bees but two of them came in with hives all over. I gave each 10 benadryl and they were better within a few hours.
They are actually wasps. An entirely different creature than a bee.
Topical cortisone though messy will help.
Witch hazel is also great for any kinds of stings to take the itch out and it’s pretty cheap. I keep a couple bottles at the barn and at home. Pour into a squeeze type bottle to apply anywhere its needed
Thanks everyone! Bumps are about 70% reduced but cery visible in the sun and with her shiny coat. She has been dosed with antihistamines this afternoon.
Probably won’t help this long after the stings, but for future reference or others that run into bees/wasps; douse with vinegar for several minutes ( soak a wash cloth, rag, or paper towel and hold it on the sting sites) ASAP after the stings. Vinegar will neutralize the venom and stop the reaction.
Old bee keepers trick that was taught to my brother years ago. I’ve used it many times on both myself and my horses. It really does work. An hour later, you won’t even feel the sting any more.
Otherwise, as mentioned above, I apply witch hazel liberally. Has brought good relief to my horses with hives or other itc issues.
