Client Education
Potomac Horse Fever article from American Quarter Horse Association
The American Quarter Horse Association has published a useful article on Potomac Horse Fever. The article may be found here
Annual wellness exams
Has your horse had it's annual physical? Do you know if he has cataracts? A heart murmur? A little problem that he just can't tell you about? Ask us to perform a complete physical exam once a year at a farm visit so that we can speak for your horse to let you know if there is a problem that needs to be addressed before it worsens. Read more.... information on Wellness Exams
De-worming Information
Here are some recommendations about de-worming for 2009
Feeding Your Horse
Vital Signs (TPR)
We recommend that you look at and listen to your animals when they feel good, so that you are familiar with their individual "normals". The following guidelines are normal ranges for various species, and when your animal is feeling ill, it is helpful to check these parameters before calling your veterinarian. All temperatures in animals are taken rectally - quick-read digital thermometers from a drug store are recommended, since most animals do not appreciate this procedure!!
EQUINE VACCINATIONS
RECCOMENDATIONS FOR 2008
Vaccinations are used to stimulate an individual’s immune system to help in the prevention and of infectious diseases. There are many different variations on what protocols are recommended for different horses. Age, environmental factors, stress level and potential for exposure are all important considerations. The following are general guidelines and information for what is currently recommended by Appalachian Equine Mobile Veterinary Service. We will keep you updated as the recommendations change.
RABIES
A viral infection transmitted from infected animal bites causing neurologic disease. Always fatal and transmissible to humans, rabies is becoming more common in our area due to a very virulent strain found in raccoons. Since the presenting signs of rabies in horses are often vague, many people are commonly exposed to rabies through horses as they try to care for them before a diagnosis is made. Intramuscular vaccination is done annually and is very protective. This vaccination is an absolute must for the protection of both your horses and the people that care for them.
TETANUS
A disease caused by toxins from the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in the environment. Horses are extremely sensitive to the toxin and it can enter the body through any break in the skin. Intramuscular vaccination is done annually, or within 6 months if the horse has trauma, surgery or any other break in the skin. Since this disease is easily preventable with proper vaccination we commonly include a booster in combination with other vaccines every 6 months. This protocol prevents the possibility of a minor cut or abrasion that goess unnoticed from being the route of a tetanus infection. Unvaccinated animals that develop the disease often die if not treated intensively with tetanus antitoxin and supportive care.
ENCEPHALOMYELITIS
A group of diseases caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Eastern, Western and Venezuelan are the most common strains found in horses and, as the name suggest, vary by region. Disease is characterized by severe neurologic signs such as seizures and an inability to walk or stand. It is often fatal. Intramuscular vaccination is done in the spring and repeated throughout the mosquito season because immunity only lasts for only a few months. In this area, at least a spring and late summer vaccine are recommended at this time. An outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitiis in the Southeastern US was the worst in history. Fatality rates as high as 90% have been reported.
WEST NILE VIRUS
Another form of mosquito transmitted neurologic disease with around a 50% fatality rate, depending on the strain of virus. The latest recommendation from The American Association of Equine Practitioners is to give the vaccination twice a year for complete protection.
INFLUENZA
A highly contagious viral respiratory disease that is transmitted through direct, indirect or aerosol transmission. Vaccination at this time is intramuscular or intranasal and immunity only lasts for around six or seven months. For that reason, we administer it twice a year to horses with exposure potential, those that travel to shows, clinics or have any other exposure to other horses within a wide radius.
RHINOPNEUMONITIS
A viral disease (equine herpes) similar to influenza in it’s respiratory form that can also cause neurologic disease and abortion in mares. Intramuscular or intranasal vaccine is similar to that for influenza and is given 4 times a year in high-risk situations because protection only lasts about eight to twelve weeks. Influenza and rhinopneumonitis infections can be followed by a dangerous secondary bacterial pneumonia. In recent years a virulent neurologic strain of type I Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-I) has been responsible for multiple outbreaks in Europe and the US leading to quarantine of racetracks, showgrounds and stables. Although vaccination for the neurologic strain is not thought to be very effective at actually preventing the disease, there is some evidence that vaccination with specific types of vaccine may offer reduced spreading of the disease throughout the herd.
POTOMAC HORSE FEVER
A bacterial disease whose mode of transmission is not fully understood. Snails and some insects associated with flowing water in streams are suspected to transmit a disease. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, high fever and often secondary laminitis. Fatality rates can be above 30%. Although the vaccine is not 100% protective against infection with the bacteria, vaccinated horses are much less severely affected by the disease than those that have not been vaccinated. Potomac horse fever has recently been identified in this area and is more common in counties just to our east. Vaccination every 6 months is recommended for full protection.
STRANGLES
A highly contagious bacterial disease spread by direct and indirect contact. Severe respiratory signs include large volumes of thick nasal discharge, abscessation of lymph nodes in the head and neck, coughing and potential choking. In 10 to 20% of cases the bacteria can affect other organ systems causing potentially fatal complications. Intranasal vaccination provides 6 months of protection so it should be given twice a year in high risk situations.
EQUINE PROTOZOAL MYELITIS
A parasitic disease affecting the spinal cord. Transmission is not completely understood but opossums are known to play a significant role in the life cycle and transmission of the protozoa. Vaccination has not been shown to help prevent infection with the disease, but is thought to inhibit progression of the organism in the neural tissue. Intramuscular vaccination is available to be given annually.
OTHER VACCINATIONS
Other vaccines are available for Equine Viral Arteritis Virus, that is important for some breeding operations , and botulism that is present in some environmental situations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VACCINATIONS
What is a “booster”?
Any initial vaccination given to a horse that has never had the vaccine before must be given a booster vaccination 3-6 weeks later to provide long-term immunity. The length of long term immunity varies with each disease. For example, if your horse has never had a flu shot before, its first vaccine will only protect for 3 to 6 weeks. The booster shot given as a follow up will then provide immunity that lasts for six o seven months.
Is my horse fully protected?
No vaccine provides 100% protection against disease although some approach that level of immunity. Think of vaccines as a system to help the animal’s immune system do it’s job more effectively. Stress, high exposure level, steroid use or other suppressors of the immune system can also contribute to what is perceived as vaccine failure. Also keep in mind that full protection is not in place until about 3 weeks after the booster shot is administered.
What vaccines should we give our horses?
Horses that live in different areas will have their own unique level of disease exposure and environmental conditions. Each horse and each farm may be given somewhat different recommendations. Veterinarians in a specific area will know what is most appropriate for their patients. The epidemiology of any disease is variable so it should be understood that vaccination recommendations are subject to change as diseases and technology evolve.
Will my horse have a reaction to the vaccines? Vaccination reactions are rare but do pose a potential risk. Signs vary from muscle soreness at the injection site, to hives or, very rarely, fatal anaphylactic shock. We recommend spreading out the number of vaccinations a horse is given to not to exceed 2 or 3 in one day. That way, if your horse does have a reaction, we will be more likely to determine the cause and can make informed decisions to avoid the same problem in the future.
RECOMMENDED VACCINATION PROTOCOL
*** These vaccinations can be split between 2 or more visits.
PREGNANT MARES
Rhinopneumonitis killed vaccine every 2 months throughout pregnancy is recommended to prevent abortion. 30 days prior to foaling boost all vaccines to provide the best immunity possible to the foal through the mother’s colostrum, or the first milk.
FOALS
Begin vaccination program at 6 months and boost after 4 to 6 weeks. They get their initial immunity from mare’s colostral immunity. While the maternal immunity is present in the foal vaccines that we administer will not take effect. So, by waiting until they are older to start their vaccines we allow the maternal antibodies to fade at about the same time we start the foal shots.
PLAN AHEAD FOR PREVENTION
Remember to call and discuss your horse’s individual circumstances and environment. Let us know if you will have any changes this year in your travel, competition or herd management plan. Realize that as diseases become more or less prevalent in our area and your horse’s lifestyle changes we may make different recommendations. We will consider all aspects of each situation and recommend the best plan to protect your equine partner in the best way we have available.