Spring time is finally drawing near again. It's time to start flipping through seed catalog, planing our flower gardens, starting with the spring cleaning of house and barn, and of course thinking about spring vaccinations Vaccine recommendations can vary from horse to horse based on age, primary use, location (either where the horse currently lives or where he is planing on going. and time of the year. Spring brings with it horses shows, trail rides and unfortunately and increase in the insect population. Many preventable diseases that we vaccinate for either are transmitted by insects or from direct contact with other horses. For a list of our recommendations view our vaccine protocol.

Tetanus is a disease caused by the toxin of the bacteria called Clostridium tetani. C. tetani is normally found in the soil. It is often introduced into the horse via a deep laceration or puncture wound. The toxin affects the nervous system causing the horse to have rigid muscles, muscle tremors or convulsions. The rigidity of the jaw muscles gave tetanus the common name of lockjaw. Tetanus can be deadly due to paralysis and dehydration. Supportive care and doses of antitoxin are the only treatment to date. The vaccine for Tetanus is an annual vaccine, given intramuscularly, and is considered very safe. The tetanus vaccine booster should be given any time there is a deep wound to ensure maximum protection.

Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis are viruses that cause neurological symptoms in the horse such as aggression, blindness, convulsions, head pressing, and depression. A fever may also be present. The viruses can be deadly or cause permanent brain damage. Of the two variations of the virus seen in the northern states, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) is more often fatal then Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE). The third variation, more commonly seen in South and Central America, is known as Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE). All three variations rarely infect humans. VEE is the only variation that can be transmitted, via mosquitoes, from horse to horse or from horse to human. The others can only be transmitted if the mosquito feeds on an infected bird first and then the horse. The vaccines for WEE and EEE are given annually in the spring and are considered safe and effective. The vaccine for VEE is normally only given if the horse is going to an area where it may come in contact with horses that have been to Mexico such as Texas, Florida or southern California

West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes from infected birds. Like WEE and EEE, WNV cannot be spread from horse to horse. WNV can cause incoordination, weakness and stumbling, which can worsen into sleepiness, depression, and seizures. WNV is seasonal due to the requirement of mosquitoes as a carrier Vaccination is recommended before mosquitoes become active in the spring. A 6 month booster can be given in areas where mosquitoes are active year round such as in the southern states.

Influenza is a common respiratory virus that can cause depression, decreased appetite, fever, coughing, nasal discharge, or muscle soreness. It is transmitted though the air for up to 35 feet, from one horse to another. This can cause the disease to spread rapidly through stables and racing sheds. This virus is often mutating, making multiple strains and causing the vaccine to be less effective as well as requiring frequent boosters. We currently recommend twice yearly intramuscular vaccination.

Potomac Horse Fever is caused by a very small parasite known as Ehrlichia risticii. Ingestion of snails or aquatic insects is suspected in the transmission of PHF to a horse. This puts horses near swampy or wet areas such as near ponds, lakes and rivers at a higher risk. Rarely, water contaminated with these insects and snails can infect horses. There is a seasonally to the disease that usually starts in early spring and ends in late fall. The common signs include intermittent fever, lethargy, diarrhea, and decreased appetite as well as colic signs. This disease can be fatal due to many serious complications such as dehydration, and laminitis. Some horses can be infected but never develop any signs. The PHF vaccine is very safe and is usually administered once or twice a year, often in the spring and in the fall before the first frost.

Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus which can cause 4 different syndromes, respiratory, abortion, neonatal and neurological. The respiratory syndrome is the most common and often presents as nasal discharge and depression with a fever. In pregnant mares late term abortions can be seen along with inflammation of the placenta known as placentitis. Foals infected in late gestation that are not aborted are often born weakened, already suffering from pneumonia and have weak immune systems. These foals often develop multiple secondary bacterial infections that are normally fatal. The neurological form causes weakness and incoordination. The virus is normally spread via inhalation of nasal discharge or contact with an aborted fetus. The incubation period is 3-7 days. The vaccine is recommended twice a year for pleasure horses. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation to decrease the risk of late term abortion and neonatal disease.

Strangles is a disease caused by the bacteria Strep. equi. It is transmitted by direct contact with an infected or carrier horse and can be highly contagious. It can also be transmitted by contact with contaminated water troughs, feed buckets, pastures, stalls, trailers, tack, and humans. Strep equi can survive for months in the environment if it is not exposed to direct sunlight or disinfectants. Signs of strangles are coughing, fever, thick white to yellow nasal discharge, swelling under the jaw or neck, pain on eating, decreased appetite and difficulty breathing due to swelling around the trachea. Vaccination is recommended for horses at high risk of exposure such as show horses or horses boarded at a stable with a high turnover rate. Even if your horse does not show, other horses can bring the disease to the barn. The intranasal vaccine provides better and safer protection over the intramuscular form and should be administered once a year.

Rabies is a virus that is spread by the saliva of infected animals usually through bites or open wounds in the skin. It is prevalent in the wild populations of skunks, raccoons, fox and badgers as well as in bats. This disease is fatal and the time from infection to symptoms can be months. Symptoms can be varied including colic, lameness, paralysis, muscle spasms, depression or aggression. Because horses often come in contact with wild life, it may be impossible to determine when a horse was initially exposed to the rabies virus. Rabies can be spread from horses to humans. Vaccination is considered safe and a booster should be given every year.

Make your horse an appointment this spring for his or her annual check up and vaccinations. At that time your vet will perform a physical exam, discuss your unique situation with your horse and make vaccine recommendations for you horse. That that opportunity to ask any questions