Hives from hay

So, we went and got a big load of alfalfa hay and some Bermuda grass hay. I have been feeding the grass hay in the am and the alfalfa in the pm. We just got the hay this past Saturday so we been feeding it for 4 days now. One of my mules has broke out in hives. His head, muzzle, legs and chest are swollen and his belly is huge and he has welts (hives) all down his neck and chest and part of his shoulders. I took him off the hay all together, but does anybody know what I can do to treat the hives? Calling the vet is a last resort.

If it was a mild case of hives and you had removed the hay I might say call the vet for some free advice over the phone...but this sounds like a very severe case and the fact that he is apparently bloated as well, the huge belly, would worry me a bit...

I know you said its a last resort but I would go ahead and call the vet out hun. Sometimes its worth the money to make sure your animal is treated properly for the severity of its case.

Pidge, Thank you for your input. I kinda figured the vet was the answer. I have the vet on the way now. I was getting worried that maybe with all the swelling in his face and muzzle his throat might start to swell also. Thanks for the advice.

If your mule is used to eating alfalfa hay, and this reaction is new, I would suspect that the hay had been sprayed with some sort of pesticide that your mule may be allergic to. Of course, the same could be said for the bermuda grass. Around here, there hasn't been enough rain to wash off anything that is sprayed on the hay crops - even though the sun may break the product down, there is still a residue on the hay. I've been really concerned about what is in the hay we are feeding our horses, but without expensive tests, we have no real way to know.

I'll sure be glad when this blasted drought breaks and we can grow our own hay again. At least then I'd know what was in it!

Did not see this thread until now. How is your mule doing? I hope better.