1. A complete physical examination done at least once a year
2. Routine Deworming Recomendations at appropriate times
3. A complete Vaccinations program
4. Routine dentistry
Deworming Recomendations
There
are two methods used for deworming horses. The first method is to
administer paste dewormers every 6-8 weeks. The second method is to
keep the horse on a daily dewormer and paste deworm twice a year.
1.Paste Deworming Protocol:
This schedule is recommended for the
Northeastern United States for horses not on a continuous deworming
program.( i.e. daily Strongid C 2X):
January-Ivermectin/praziquantel combination (Equimax)
March-Oxibendazole (Anthelcide)
May-Moxidectin (Quest) ( Use in horses only. We do not recommend using in miniature horses or ponies.)
-Ivermectin (Equell) for miniature horses and ponies
July-Double dose Pyrantel Pamoate (Strongid)
September-Ivermectin/Praziquantel combination (Equimax)
November-Double dose Fenbendazole
(Panacur) This can be repeated for 4 more days if horse is showing
signs of small strongyle infestation (poor coat, chronic colic,
diarrhea, unthrifty)
**Remember to read the active ingredient. For example fenbendazole is the active ingredient in Panacur and Safeguard.
2. Daily Deworming Protocol
Deworm December and June with
Ivermectin/praziquantel combination(Equimax) and keep horse on a daily
dewormer, pyrantel pamoate (Strongid 2 x). If you choose this protocol,
we recommencd enrolling in the Preventicare Program offered by Pfizer.
Note* Before starting the continuous deworming program, deworm with Equimax, Quest or a Panacur Power Pac.
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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, which 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
administered once yearly. The vaccine is boostered 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 be
boostered 2 weeks before travelling. Veterinarians in problem areas
vaccinate 2-4 x per year.
West Nile Virus (WNV) causes
encephalitis in birds, horses and humans. The virus is transmitted
from infected birds by mosquitoes. Humans and horses appear to be
especially susceptible. Studies done by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture show that infected horses will not transmit WNV to other
horses or to people. However care should be taken when handling blood
from suspect animals.
Symptoms of disease caused by WNV may include the following:
* Flu-like signs (fever and depression)
* Skin twitching, especially around the muzzle.
* Hypersensitivity to touch and sound
* Driving or pushing forward without control
* Incoordination
Because permanent neurological
problems and death can occur, early recognition and initiation of
treatment is important. No specific treatment protocol exists however
most cases will resolve with supportive therapy and anti-inflammatories.
Efforts to prevent disease in horses
caused by WNV is through the use of the West Nile Vaccine from Fort
Dodge Pharmaceuticals and through actions that will reduce exposure to
mosquitoes. The vaccine is safe and appears to be effective. AAEP
vaccination guidelines recommend vaccinating twice a year in the Long
Island area.
The most effective way to limit
the mosquito population is to destroy the mosquito larval habitat.
This is done by reducing the amount of standing water. Water troughs
should be cleaned at least once a week. Keeping weeds trimmed and lawn
mowed help eliminate areas where mosquitoes rest. Directly protecting
horses from mosquito bites is more difficult. Fly and mosquito
repellents may be helpful. Products containing pyrethroids are
considered safe for horses. Spray stalls, aisle walls and other areas
such as under shade trees where horses congregate. Fans can also be
used to discourage mosquitoes from residing in your barn.
Rhinopneumonitis:
Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus which 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 are travelling 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 high fever and respiratory infection. The
vaccine is not 100% effective, and the protection lasts only 10-12
weeks. Horses travelling 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):
Potomac 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 is 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 which
is more effective than the intramuscular vaccine. The vaccine is given
once a year except in endemic barns( that have frequent outbreaks)
where semiannual vaccination is recommended.
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Routine Dentistry
Horses
need regular preventive dental maintenance every six months to one
year. Unlike people, horses' teeth have an eruption rate of two-three
mm per year. The teeth should wear in correspondence to yearly eruption
rate. Malocclusions, or improper position of the teeth, can lead to
many health issues and behavioral problems.
Identifying dental problems as early
as possible is important. There are several factors that come into play
at a young age that might increase treatment needed, or make a remedy
even possible: loss of food while eating; eats hay before his grain;
grain in water bucket; difficulty chewing or excess salivation; loss of
body condition; large undigested food particles in manure larger than
one quarter inch; head tilting or tossing; bit chewing; tongue lolling;
tries to rear while bridling; fighting the bit or resisting the bridal;
bucking or failing to stop or turn; foul odor from the mouth or
nostrils; traces of blood in the mouth; or nasal discharge or swelling
of the face. Other horses may not show noticeable signs, because they
just simply adapt to their discomfort.
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