Q: My horse gets hives occasionally, usually just a handful of bumps on his neck and barrel, and they disappear in a few days. When do hives become a medical emergency? Do I need to call the vet out every time he breaks out?

A: Hives become a medical emergency when there is swelling of the head or if the horse has difficulty breathing. If your horse breaks out occasionally over a small area and if the hives go away within a day or two, it is not urgent that the veterinarian come out. However, if the horse gets hives very frequently, they last several days, or if they are covering a majority of the body, then the veterinarian should come out to see the horse.  Injections can be given and oral medications dispensed that will relieve the itching and swelling.  Relieve is usually very fast after treatment.