Information About Equine Care
With Over 40 Years of Combined Veterinary Experience | Quality Care for Both Pets and Livestock
More Information About Horse Care
Caring for a horse is a big job. At Animal Health Center, we like to provide owners with as much information as possible to make caring for their horse easier. Below is some information to help you become more knowledgeable. Still have questions? Feel free to call the office to ask for help or schedule an appointment.
West Nile Virus Information
West Nile Virus (WNV) is dangerous to birds, horses, and humans, with humans and horses being the most susceptible. It causes encephalitis and is transmitted by mosquitos from infected birds. USDA studies show that infected horses will not transmit to other horses or people, but care should be taken when exposed to the blood of suspect horses.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus could include:
- Flu symptoms (fever and depression)
- Skin around the muzzle twitching
- Hypersensitivity to touch and sound.
- Pushing forward without control
- Lack of coordination
Early testing and treatment are important due to the permanent neurological problems that may occur if left untreated for too long. While no specific form of treatment exists, most cases are resolved with a combination of supportive therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs.
West Nile Virus can be prevented by vaccination and protection from mosquitoes. Vaccination is recommended twice a year. The best way to limit mosquito exposure is to destroy the larval habitat. Reducing standing water in fields, barns, or feeding areas, includes:
- Clean water troughs weekly
- Trim weeds and grass to reduce mosquito resting spots
- Repellents containing pyrethroids are safe for horses and can limit bites
- Spray stalls, aisle walls, and other areas in the barn or field where horses gather.
- Fans in barn stalls can deter mosquitoes from residing or gathering in the barn
Important Equine Vaccinations
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.
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 that is transmitted by mosquitos. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The vaccine is very effective against the disease. The protection lasts 6 months. Therefore, we recommend administrating the vaccine twice a year(semiannually).
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 is administered once yearly. Boosters are given in case of laceration, surgery, or penetrating wounds.
Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that infects 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. Because Long Island has a long mosquito season and the vaccine protection lasts 6-7 months, we recommend semiannual vaccination. Horses that travel to Florida should receive a booster 2 weeks before traveling. Veterinarians in problem areas vaccinate 2-4 x per year.
Rhinopneumonitis: Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus that causes respiratory infections, abortions, and inflammation of the spinal cord. The vaccine is not 100% effective, and the protection only lasts 10-12 weeks. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated at 3.5, 7, and 9 months from the breeding date. Horses that travel 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 a high fever and respiratory infection. The vaccine is not 100% effective, and the protection lasts only 10-12 weeks. Horses traveling 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.
Potomac Horse Fever(PHF): otomac Horse Fever is caused by the parasite Ehrlichia risticii. Horses are infected through small land snails that carry the parasite. It is not contagious and occurs more commonly in wet areas. The disease causes high fever, laminitis, and severe diarrhea. The vaccine is fairly effective and administered once a year. It is administered 2-4 x yearly in -problem areas.
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 that is more effective than the intramuscular vaccine. The vaccine is given once a year (except in endemic barns that experience frequent outbreaks) where semiannual vaccination is recommended.
Routine Horse Dentistry
Just with our pets in our home, dental care is also important with horses. We recommend preventive maintenance every 6 months to a year. A horse's teeth are different from ours in that their teeth continue to grow 2-3mm per year. Their teeth should wear in accordance with their growth rate. Issues with teeth can lead to health issues, malnutrition, and behavioral problems.
It's important to identify dental problems as early as possible. While horses may mask their symptoms, dental issues may include:
- Loss of food while eating
- Eating hay before grain
- Grain in the water trough
- Difficulty chewing
- Excess salivation
- Loss of body condition
- Large food particles in manure
- Tilting or tossing their head
- Chewing on the bit
- Tongue lolling
- Rearing while bridling
- Fighting bit or bridle
- Bucking while turning or stopping
- Foul odor from mouth or nostrils
- Blood in mouth
- Nasal discharge
- Facial swelling
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Animal Health Center of Marion County Inc
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