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“Spring Tune up for Horses”

Paul M. Tew, DVM 

Do we still need to vaccinate our horses for West Nile?

With the continuing threat of West Nile Virus infections, we need to keep our protection up against this deadly disease.  If we have more moisture and a larger mosquito population this summer, we may see more cases of West Nile than we have in the past.  This is a disease that is easy to prevent but so hard to treat with much success, let’s not let our guard down!

What West Nile Vaccine should we use?

Several different West Nile vaccines are available.  You can give West Nile all by itself, or as a combination West Nile EWT four-way with Brain Fever and Tetanus.  Both of these vaccines need two doses the first year they are used and one annual booster if they are up to date.  There is a one dose West Nile vaccine now available. It does not come as a combination vaccine, so if you want protection against Brain Fever and Tetanus, it is more economical to use the West Nile EWT combination vaccine. Confusing?  You can consult with your veterinarian about your particular horses and they will help you choose the best vaccine program for your horses(s).

Should I give the Flu-Rhino vaccine?

Horses that will have a lot of exposure to other horses, such as in rodeos, shows, parades, breeding farms, racing, or for any other reason should have protection against horse “flu”.  We recommend a combination Flu-Rhino vaccine that helps prevent the runny noses and coughs that always seem to get your horses sick when you need them the most.  Like the human flu shot, this will not stop all of the many varieties of colds and flu that horses can get, but they prevent the worst ones and reduce the severity of the diseases.  Pregnant mares should be vaccinated during their pregnancy with a killed Rhino equine herpes vaccine (Pneumabort-K) at months 5, 7, and 9 of their pregnancies to help prevent abortion of the foal.

Is Potomac Fever still around?

We still see cases of Potomac Fever in the late summer and fall.  This infection is seen in horses that graze near rivers, streams, swamps, canals, ditches, irrigated pasture where water stands, and anywhere else snails live.  The organisms that cause Potomac Fever are carried by snails, and are picked up by grazing horses, resulting in diarrhea, colic, and founder.  Vaccination is recommended if your horses may have such exposure during the year.

Should I vaccinate my horse for Equine Distemper?

Horse Distemper or Strangles is a Strep infection mostly seen in young horses that can cause abscesses in the head and neck.  Young horses that will be going to training or anywhere with exposure to carrier horses should be vaccinated with the intranasal Pinnacle strep vaccine.  Care must be taken to give this vaccine after muscle shots are given.  Contamination of the administer’s hands can cause abscesses where later muscle vaccines are given.

When should I start vaccinating my new foal(s)?

We recommend at birth a tetanus vaccination.  Horse breeding farms we work with have found that giving intranasal strangles vaccine to newborn foals has dramatically reduced respiratory infections.   New colts need 3 doses of West Nile vaccine 3 weeks apart.  If the mare was up to date on her West Nile vaccinations, the foal’s shots are started at 4 months (16 weeks) of age.  If she was not up to date, the foal’s series should start at 6 weeks of age.

What should I de-worm my horses with and when should I do it?

Spring is a great time to de-worm horses.  Most worms spread the best on pasture, so clearing out any worms inside the horse will reduce the fecal contamination of new grass growth in the spring.  The best all around de-wormer is Ivermectin, either as a paste or a liquid given orally. It kills both the adults and the larval stages of the blood worms that are responsible for many cases of colic.   A rotation during the year to other wormers such as Pyrantel Pamoate or Febantel and others can reduce the resistance that can develop in some intestinal worms.  Young colts are often overlooked and should be de-wormed in the summer while still nursing the mare, especially when they are grazing. 

If you have questions regarding the best vaccination protocol for your equine friends, give us a call or stop in and visit with one of our veterinarians or staff.