Vaccines are getting all of society thinking at the moment. When it comes to vaccinating your horse, there are a few important diseases to think about- we are yet to hear of a vaccine that'll get your horse into pubs and clubs though!
Tetanus
Tetanus is an obvious one. As this is a relatively rare disease, most horse owners don’t think about it much, and many are unknowingly playing roulette with their horse’s life. There are some areas in Australia where tetanus is more common, but the decision to vaccinate is based on a simple equation. Sure, the likelihood of your horse getting tetanus is low, but the consequences are catastrophic, so the risk is high.
We used to think that any tetanus vaccination was enough. I have heard some horse owners say that a vet told them that the tetanus vaccination was so good that if you tore the lid off the vaccine box and threw it in the yard, your horse would be covered. Recent research has shown that, the better the vaccination program, the milder any tetanus symptoms will be and making them therefore easier to treat. It is also much easier and less stressful to know that your horse is vaccinated if it is to injure itself, rather than extra vaccinations if an accident does occur. Tetanus in unprotected horses can be treated, but it’s rarely successful, always expensive and devastatingly painful for your horse. It’s really a simple decision. Get your horse vaccinated with the right program. These vaccines are available over the counter in reception, or a vet can administer it for you if you are uncertain.
Strangles
Strangles is also a bacterial infection but, unlike tetanus, it causes abscesses in the throat and neck and can cut off the airways (hence ‘strangles’). This disease is more common than tetanus and, although it is rarely fatal, horses catch it from other horses or the environment. Some horses can even carry and transmit strangles without being clinically sick. This makes it very important for all horses that get out and about at shows, competition and pony club to be vaccinated.
Vaccinations can be combined with Tetanus to make protection easier, but strangles needs three initial doses, unlike tetanus. Again, prevention is much easier than treatment for this distressing disease. These vaccines are available over the counter in reception, or a vet can administer it for you if you are uncertain.
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)
This family of viruses affect many animals, including people. A vaccine is available to prevent EHV1 and 4. These viruses can cause upper respiratory tract infections similar to colds, as well as abortions and occasionally but more seriously neurological symptoms. Ask your vet about appropriate vaccination protocols for your horse. As with other diseases, it will depend on the risk profile of your horse. |