Hi, Dr. Getty, Angel the old grey mare is back home,and we,ve just started the Ration Plus, so will keep you posted. I,m very excited, thanks for all that you do and the horses you help.We all are blessed to have you.I,ve learned so much just reading all the posts. I,ve used apple cider vinagar, and was surprized, within a week,NO MORE horse flies, and very few house flies. I,d love a home,healthy, remidy for mosquitos.Now a concern I have is about the vinagar.Can it be too acidic, and cause an imbalance in vitamins and nutrients? Also, I,ve just started giving my 3 yr old antihistamines. For three years,every July she brakes out in hives,itching and then gets tiny black crusted achne. So,I,m tring Tri Hist. Yesterday, it seemed to subside, and this P.M. the bumps were back.So I re-dosed her, and we,ll see.If this doesnt work, then I guess we,ll heve to have allergy tested, how ever she only does this, this time a year.What are your thoughts, and advise. Sorry I,m so long winded, I have lots on my mind.As Always, Thank you Dr. Getty, Rhonda Shanahan

Where are you from? Texas

How did you locate this forum? I was looking for info. about certain type of hay.

Hi Rhonda,

What a lovely compliment – thank you! I’ll be eager to hear how the Ration Plus is helping your mare.

About the vinegar – no it isn’t too acidic. The pH of your horse’s stomach is quite low – around 1.5, whereas the pH of vinegar is around 5.0, so you don’t need to worry. However, its effectiveness as an insect repellent is questionable. I’m pleased to hear that it seems to be working for you, so no harm in continuing with it.

However, for the allergic reaction, there are two supplements that will help. First, Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. Since she is only 3 years old, you don’t need to add a great deal – approximately 10 grams/day. And, second, add Thiamin (vitamin B-1) to the diet. It will calm the allergic reaction, as well as help in repelling insect stings.

Thanks for writing!

All the best,

Dr. Getty