Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Vaccinations

From: Gail

Hi, Jessica, I have been an avid fan of yours for some time and have enjoyed your book and good practical sense.

I am a new horse owner, an adult living her childhood dream. My question concerns what annual/semi-annual vaccinations my TB gelding will need now that I am totally responsible for him at a co-op barn. His last owner said he had a 4-way, Potomac, rabies, and Rhino in April 1998 and Rhino in the Fall of 1998.

I know Spring vaccinations are a must. I'm unclear as to what a 4-way is and is Potomac, rabies, and Rhino is included in the 4-way.

Also, what is your recommendation on worming? He gets Ivermectin every 2-1/2-3 months, and a double-dose of Strongid in the fall (whatever that dosage means; can you explain?) for a 1,450 lbs. horse, 17hh.

He used to be out 24/7 but is now out 8a.m. until 5:00p.m. with two other horses but stabled in a barn with 4 other stablemates at night.

Can you give me some advice for a nervous new mama? Thanks!

Gail

Hi Gail -- thanks for the kind words. ;-) The person you need to talk to is your own veterinarian, because that's where you'll get the very best, most specific advice regarding your horse's vaccination and de-worming program. De-worming programs depend a lot on the condition of the horse and the specific environment in which the horse is kept (as well as on his condition and weight). The type of turnout can have a significant effect on a de-worming program: a pasture that is c leaned out daily or weekly and contains only a few horses is quite a different proposition to a crowded pasture that is rarely (or never) cleaned out.

Doses are calibrated to a horse's weight, but there's an enormous safety factor; the key is to get ENOUGH of the product into the horse to kill the parasites. In other words, don't worry if your vet recommends that you occasionally give a horse two or thr ee times the "normal" amount of de-worming paste. If you're concerned, ask "Why that amount?" and "Why that particular paste?" -- and you'll be told exactly why your vet feels that it's appropriate for that particular horse at that particular time. It's f ar more dangerous to give an insufficient amount of the product: the horse that spits out half of its paste de-wormer will NOT get the full benefit. Most vets will tell you that using to little de-wormer can be worse than using none at all; the result may simply be the creation of a new generation of resistant worms.

Vaccinations come in a lot of different forms. Most basic vaccination programs will involve an injection (or injections) that combines Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis ("sleeping sickness") with tetanus toxoid. Some also protect against Venezuelan en cephalomyeitis. Most veterinarians will suggest that you have horses vaccinated against certain forms of rhinopneumonitis, as well as certain forms of equine influenza -- the specific injection used will depend on the particular strains of flu. Your vet w ill know which forms of flu are more prevalent in your area, and will be able to advise you.

Potomac Horse Fever vaccinations used to be given separately; now they are often combined with the Eastern and Western enquine encephalomyelitis, and with the tetanus toxoid, to create a "four-in-one" shot. But don't assume that you know exactly what is i n any specific "four-in-one" or "four-way" shot -- ASK YOUR VET what s/he is using, and why. There are "five-way" shots -- and there are single injections. Your horse should get what he actually needs, regardless of the form it takes. You'll need to know what he's getting, what the reaction is likely to be, and when the boosters (if any) should be given.

Also TELL your vet what your plans are for the horse. If you will be keeping your horse at home all year, and won't be bringing horses onto the property, your vet may choose certain vaccines; if your horse is a racehorse, or if he will be travelling and s howing for the next seven months, your vet may prefer to use other selections, or to put the horse on a program of monthly flu shots. Communication is all-important -- the more information you provide, the better decisions your vet can make.

Rabies vaccinations, at this point, are still being given as separate injections. Ask your vet's advice here too. If there is rabies in your area, or more rabies than usual, or if horses have been affected, then it seems to me that vaccinating against it is only prudent. My own horses have been vaccinated against rabies for the last several years. There's no way to guarantee that small wild creatures will stay out of horse pastures, there's no cure for rabies, and humans can get it from horses. Those reas ons are good enough for me. ;-)

ALL new mamas are nervous, so don't worry. You're doing well. Just keep the communication lines open with your vet -- he (or she) is your ally, and your partner in maintaining optimum health for your horse.

Jessica

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