I discovered this forum in 2013 and the information on it helped to treat my part bred Arab for a very bad case of PLV also known in America as Scratches (I’m in the U.K.). There seems to have been an increased number of cases this year, including my own horse once again, for the 5th year in succession, and I was wondering whether a cause or trigger had been identified in the years since my horse was diagnosed. This year my horse was on a grass only diet, turned out with UV protective rug and boots and still had a flare in late July onwards. However, a change of yards resulted in high levels of stress on his part for a number of weeks and I feel this exacerbated the condition. He has now been on prednisolone steroids for 3 months. I’d be delighted to find the trigger for the condition to hopefully prevent occurrences in future years. Can anyone help ?
Possibly your all grass diet was/is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals which the horse’s body needs to adequately prevent invasion from bacterial/fungal problems. You may be playing catch up as additional drugs can cause
further imbalances and deficiencies in necessary vit/mins.
I’d start over with a correctly balanced diet and possibly additional skin/hair supplements.
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My suggestions from the US - increase Vitamin E (I aim for 8,000IU in the grain/supplements on top of hay when there is no pasture and decrease a bit if there is fresh grass in turnout). Also, consider adding copper (and maybe zinc? JB would know for sure). in the diet. My supplement is flax based, which also adds some omegas that probably help the skin.
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