Adulthood
It is important to keep your horses vaccinations up to date.
Ecuine Vaccination List
Rabies – Though rabies is infrequent in horses, it is a significant risk to people and is therefore considered a core vaccine.
Vaccine Schedule: Annual Booster
Tetanus – Not contagious among horses or people, but horses are very sensitive to the neurotoxin which is why it is important to vaccinate for it.
Vaccine Schedule: Annually or at Time of Wound or Surgery
Easter/Western Equine Encephalitis (EEE/WEE) – Neurologic disease that can result in death.
Vaccine Schedule: Annually or BiAnnually, Depending on Risk Factors including Mosquito Prevalence Trave 3 inne o Spring Vaccine
West Nile Virus – Neurologic disease similar to EEE & WEE. 33% fatal and surviving animals often have long term effects.
Vaccine Schedule: Annually or Bi- disease, including Annually, Depending on Risk Abortion Factors including Mosquito Prevalence, Travel & Time of Spring Vaccine.
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) Rhinopneumonitis – Rhino is caused by Equine Herpes Virus (EHV). It causes a variety of clinical disease including: abortion, acute neurological disease and upper respiratory disease. It is highly contagious from horse to horse.
Vaccine Schedule: Bi-Anually or More Frequent if Warranted.
Influenza – Has similar signs to the HIGHLY contagious & is most common in horses that travel a lot and are exposed to new horses.
Vaccine Schedule: Bi-Annually or More Often if Traveling & Showing Frequently.
Potomac Horse Fever – Seasonal & Locational
Vaccine Schedule: Annually or BiAnnually for Horses in High Risk Areas or Traveling South
Strangles – Caused by a bacteria and results in high fever, nasal discharge & swelling/abscessing of lymph nodes. HIGHLY contagious from horse to horse. Injectable or Intranasal Vaccine.
Vaccine Schedule: Annual, Recommended for Horses that travel, show, or live in barns that have horses coming in and out on a regular basis.
Deworming Your Horses
It is important to keep your horse dewormed regularly, as well as kept up to date on vaccinations. Deworming should be done at least 4 times a year. A fecal examination may be performed to monitor internal parasites.
Sign your horse may have worms
-If your horse is thinner than usual.
-Seeing worms in your manure.
-Constantly rubbing their rear against trees, fences, etc.
General Care
Yearly blood testing is recommended to monitor organ function and alert your Veterinarian to any problems that your horse may have.
Coggins tests may be performed along with blood tests.
-Coggins tests detect the presence of the Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), which is highly contagious and may fatal.
-Most states and sanctioned competitions REQUIRE proof of a negative Coggins test within one year of the date of competition.
Dental Care
Along with regular vaccinations, it is important to keep up with your horse’s dental care. Dental problems are common in horses because their teeth never stop growing.
Common Signs of Poor Dental Health:
-Poor Nutrition
-Poor Coat & Condition
-Behavioral Problems: Avoidance of the Bit, Head Tossing, Poor Athletic Performance
It is recommended to have your horse’s teeth checked every six months to a year starting as a yearling. Once your horse becomes older dental check-ups may need to become more frequent in order to ensure proper eating habits.
Nutrition
Depending on the age or activity of your horse, nutritional supplements may be beneficial to optimize your horse’s performance or maintain a proper diet. A nutrition Consultation with your Veterinarian will help ensure that your horse has a beneficial diet.
Your Aging Equine
Horses can be considered old at around 15 years old, though they can age at different rates. As your horse ages, it is important to monitor the eating habits. Supplements may be beneficial ensure that your older horse receives prope nutrition. Dental problems may become арparent.
Emergencies & Unexpected Sickness
Lakeview Veterinary Clinic offers 24 hour emergency care if you encounter any problems with your horse. Our experienced Veterinarians are also available if you horse gets sick unexpectedly.