Rap Last

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Debra McDaid on February 15, 2010 at 12:41pm

Oh yeah, and also this problem has developed only about a month ago... the rap last did not bother him (if it is bothering him) until recently. He has to wear a blanket which is why we are using it.

thanks deb

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by A_Sassy_Temptation on February 15, 2010 at 3:08pm

I don't know about the Rap Last, but I believe you live in Canada, and I was told this year has been a weird one for horses (especially young ones under 5) for snotty noses, with H1N1, and then the rapid changes from hot to cold (last week we had -40 weather, now its +2 outside) all horses are getting the snuffles. I just blanketted my yearling, and fed him good, and they went away. Sorry not really any help..

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Debra McDaid on February 15, 2010 at 11:50pm

Hi It has been a weird year here. He has teasted negative for anything serious... and he wears two heavy winter blankets as he is very (naturally) thin haired plus under training. Thanks though for the thoughts.

deb

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Katherine on February 15, 2010 at 5:00pm

Have you tried him without it for a few weeks?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on February 15, 2010 at 7:57pm

hi, Debra:

The Raplast could be causing the continuous nasal congestion. Have you breathed it in when spraying it on his blanket? It's incredibly irritating to eyes and nasal membranes, which could be contributing to the nasal issue. Does he mangle his blanket or are you just worried he might?

Hydrophane makes a bitter aloe ointment which stops horses playing with their clothes, or you could try the Bitter Apple spray some tack shops carry. The ointment's messy (but no worse than orange Raplast all over everything), and he can't inhale it. The Bitter Apple might work for you as well, and isn't as irritating as the capsaicin in the Raplast.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on February 15, 2010 at 7:59pm

Whoops, forgot the second part of the question! I have known horses with tooth abscesses which decayed into the frontal sinuses, and caused sinusitis, but the vets found those very quickly, and surgery fixed them up right away. It doesn't sound to me like that's your problem.

I'd be looking at the Raplast first...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Debra McDaid on February 15, 2010 at 11:55pm

You are probably right, but I am grasping at straws here. thanks. deb

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Debra McDaid on February 15, 2010 at 11:55pm

Not tried Hydrophane. But he destoys blankets with the speed of light! (I'd lol it, but it's pretty expencive habit, plus he MUST wear a blanket) Bitter Apple just adds flavour! He loves the stuff. Part of my thinks it could be, but the only thing that makes me wonder if I am right, is that he has worn it for so long and it never bothered him. But since his problem has stayed the same, than it will come shortly a time that we will have to try omitting this... what I am going to use is up for debate (and the reason that I haven't stopped long ago) I hate the stuff myself! But I will get Hydrophane if I can get my hands on it... is the this the trade name or is ther one to look under... I am in Canada, so some things I can't get here... thanks for the suggestions. Take care deb

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on February 16, 2010 at 10:10am

Hi, Deb:

I haven't had a lot of luck with Bitter Apple either. As I know from personal experience, it's quite possible to suddenly develop a sensitivity to something which has not heretofore caused a problem, so the Raplast might still be it.

I bought the Hydrophane here in Canada, but on the West coast, and I don't remember where I bought it. Hydrophane is the name - I'll take a look at it today - I think it's a British product. The other thing you can try is spraying his blanket with white vinegar, which won't hurt the blanket but will taste and smell nasty. What my parents use on their fence rails is used motor oil, which they get from their mechanic for free. It will look ugly, be messy and dirty, but he probably won't chew his clothes and it won't be nearly as irritating to nasal membranes as capsaicin...

I hope something here helps!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on February 16, 2010 at 10:43am

Hi, Deb:

Here's a link to a Canadian online store which stocks Hydrophane Cribox:

"http://www.mohawkroyaltack.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=22&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=802&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=3&vmcchk=1"

Or you can just search Mohawk Royal Tack...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Debra McDaid on February 16, 2010 at 10:55am

Hi

I'm going to try to wash his blankets and cross my fingers that he leaves them alone long enough for me to find something else... not likely... white vinegar is like dressing on fries for me and you as far as Che is concerned! Yummm Yumm! or so he thinks... I made up my own concotion for him when we first got him... before Rap-last... he sucked on it!!!!!!!!! It had the kitchen sink in it... but still he thought it tasted great! (including mustard powder and white vinegar) silly horse I think that he sees the whole thing as one giant chess game... lol anyway, thanks. I have used cribox in the past... at least I think it is the same product, with no luck, but I'll certianly send for some and give it a try as it might work on this horse??? I'm crossing my fingers anyway.

• ▶ Reply