Our Recomended Preventive Medicine involves:
1. A complete physical examination done at least once a year
2. Routine deworming at appropriate times
3. A complete Vaccinations program
4. Routine dentistry
Vaccinations
Vaccines are preparations of killed microorganisms, living weakened microorganisms, etc. introduced into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease by causing the formation of antibodies. Vaccines are very delicate compounds, which if handled or administered incorrectly will be ineffective or neutralized. Most vaccines are administered initially as a two-shot series and then annually or semiannually. The vaccines and vaccine protocols listed below are tailored to our practice and geographic location and follow the guidelines of the AAEP.
Eastern & Western Encephalomyelitis
Encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus, which is transmitted by mosquitos. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The vaccine is very effective against the disease. We recommend vaccinating initially with 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart with annual boosters thereafter. Foals should be started at 6-9 months of age.
Tetanus Toxoid
Tetanus is a disease caused by a specific toxin of a bacillus (Clostridium tetani) which usually enters the body through wounds. It is characterized by spasmodic contractions and rigidity of some or all of the voluntary muscles (especially of the jaw, face and neck). The bacteria is found in horse manure. The vaccine is very effective and administered once yearly. The vaccine is boostered in case of laceration, surgery, or penetrating wounds.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is transmitted through contact with the saliva of infected animals. It is 100% fatal. The vaccine is given once yearly and is very effective.
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitos. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. We recommend initially vaccinating adults horses with 2 doses 3 weeks apart before the beginning of mosquito season, usually in April. To achieve the best protection, horses should be boostered in July, because the peak infectious time appears to be in August. Thereafter, boosters in April and July provide the highest level of immunity possible. For foals born to vaccinated mares, we recommend vaccinating with 2 doses 3 weeks apart beginning when the foal is 6 months old. Foals born to nonvaccinated mares, should be vaccinated with 3 doses 3 weeks apart beginning at 2 months of age. Studies done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that infected horses will not transmit WNV to other horses or to people. However care should be taken when handling blood from suspect animals.
Symptoms of disease caused by WNV may include the following:
* Flu-like signs (fever and depression)
* Skin twitching, especially around the muzzle.
* Hypersensitivity to touch and sound
* Driving or pushing forward without control
* Incoordination
Because permanent neurological problems and death can occur, early recognition and initiation of treatment is important. No specific treatment protocol exists however most cases will resolve with supportive therapy and anti-inflammatories.
Efforts to prevent disease in horses caused by WNV is through the use of the West Nile Vaccine from Fort Dodge Pharmaceuticals and through actions that will reduce exposure to mosquitoes. The vaccine is safe and appears to be effective. AAEP vaccination guidelines recommend vaccinating twice a year in the Long Island area.
The most effective way to limit the mosquito population is to destroy the mosquito larval habitat. This is done by reducing the amount of standing water. Water troughs should be cleaned at least once a week. Keeping weeds trimmed and lawn mowed help eliminate areas where mosquitoes rest. Directly protecting horses from mosquito bites is more difficult. Fly and mosquito repellents may be helpful. Products containing pyrethroids are considered safe for horses. Spray stalls, aisle walls and other areas such as under shade trees where horses congregate. Fans can also be used to discourage mosquitoes from residing in your barn.
Rhinopneumonitis
Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus which causes respiratory infections, abortions, and inflammation of the spinal cord. The vaccine is not 100% effective. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated at 5, 7 and 9 months from the breeding date using a killed EHV 1p and 1b product. Horses that are travelling to shows, races, sales, etc. should be vaccinated every 3 months. Pleasure horses that do not travel should be vaccinated twice a year. The vaccine does not protect against the neurologic form of the disease.
Influenza
Influenza is a virus that causes high fever and respiratory infection. The vaccine is not 100% effective. Horses travelling to shows, sales, racing events, etc... should be vaccinated every 3 months. Horses that do not travel should be vaccinated at least twice a year.
Strangles
Strangles is a bacterial disease caused by Streptococcus equi. It is highly contagious and causes the following signs: high fever, abscessed lymph nodes,and respiratory infection. Horses may develop guttural pouch infections, sinus infections, purpura hemorrhagica, laryngeal paralysis, and bastard strangles. There is an intranasal vaccine which is more effective than the intramuscular vaccine. The vaccine is given once a year except in endemic barns (that have frequent outbreaks) where semiannual vaccination is recommended.
Deworming Recomendations
We consult with each individual owner concerning the age, stable/pasture conditions and intended use of the horse to formulate a deworming schedule appropriate to each individual situation. Please feel free to contact us at the most convenient method for you to discuss your horse's individual needs.
Routine Dentistry
Horses need regular preventive dental maintenance every six months to one year. Unlike people, horses' teeth have an eruption rate of two-three mm per year. The teeth should wear in correspondence to yearly eruption rate. Malocclusions, or improper position of the teeth, can lead to many health issues and behavioral problems.
Identifying dental problems as early as possible is important. There are several factors that come into play at a young age that might increase treatment needed, or make a remedy even possible: loss of food while eating; eats hay before his grain; grain in water bucket; difficulty chewing or excess salivation; loss of body condition; large undigested food particles in manure larger than one quarter inch; head tilting or tossing; bit chewing; tongue rolling; tries to rear while bridling; fighting the bit or resisting the bridle; bucking or failing to stop or turn; foul odor from the mouth or nostrils; traces of blood in the mouth; or nasal discharge or swelling of the face. Other horses may not show noticeable signs, because they just simply adapt to their discomfort.
We use a power rotary float to float teeth which allows for exact shaping of each tooth. We also have special instruments available to extract loose or infected teeth.