My horse has worn neoprene brushing boots for turn-out without a problem for about 6 months. The boots are removed at night at his boarding stable and replaced in the morning when he his turned out of his stall into the pasture. A few times the boots were left on in the stall overnight, a mistake I assume, but no harm done.
After a week away from the farm, I found my horse lame with swollen scabby hind legs. Both legs were very hot, sore and inflamed, with raw oozing spots (sorry to be so gross!), The scabs form an unmistakeable shape of the boot on the legs. My veterinarian has begun treatment and I'll continue the recommended care until this clears up.
I'm wondering if my horse has developed an allergy to neoprene. I'm also wondering if the brushing boots were wet from rain and left on for more than 24 hours. Or both, I suppose. For those with experience with neoprene allergies, what were the first signs? How long do sensitive horses generally wear the boots before showing irritation? Could a full blown allergic reaction like the one I described come on in a single day, or would there be warning signs of irritation first?
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Had a horse w/ this problem. You described it accurately; skin would ooze, get hot, leg swell. At the time the topical derma4 or panalog which controlled the reaction, was not legal in competition as its carrier was considered a masking agent. Only took 10 minutes for my horse to react. I changed to Ulster plastic galloping boots; no reaction w/ those.
Had this happen with neoprene girths, within one workout or trail ride skin inflammed and hairloss. Switched to mohair, no problem.
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You’ve nailed it. Neoprene only generates heat anyway, so regardless of the sensitivity, leave 'em off.
Thanks so much for responding, everyone! I’m not using boots for turnout currently since the mare is with a different (more accepting) group. However, I am using a neoprene lined girth as always with no adverse reactions, even on a hot day. Confusing! I tend to think the boots were left on too long…
Could it be because the weather has warmed up? Horse may be hotter in the boots now than before.
I know I am not a horse, but my neoprene allergy announced itself with huge super itchy hives, with hotter skin, where the neoprene touched my skin.
I had no idea that a neoprene allergy existed. I looked it up on the web and learned that doctors first learned about it from divers who wore neoprene wet suits and got hives ALL OVER their bodies. That made me so glad that I never tried scuba diving!
Fellbutbackup may have a point about the warm weather too, my allergic reaction came in the summer when I tried a neoprene ice vest in a desperate attempt to stay cool in the Southern humid summers.
