Vaccinations

Vaccines are preparations of killed microorganisms, living weakened microorganisms, or even DNA fragments of microorganisms that are 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 in series 3-4 weeks apart 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 (American Association of Equine Practitioners). Depending on your horse's age, heath status, barn or travel plans, we may tailor a more specific vaccination protocol to your needs. 

In our practice, we recommend the following vaccines. We consider the first four listed as the core vaccines, recommended for any horse:

Eastern & Western Equine Encephalomyelitis: Encephalomyelitis is caused by a virus, which is transmitted by mosquitos. The virus causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms including behavioral changes, loss of appetite, fever, dementia, head pressing, circling and often blindness. EEE is fatal in 75-90% of cases, WEE is fatal in 20-40% of cases. Treatment is generally supportive and there may be long term abnormalities in horses that survive. The vaccine is very effective against the disease. After the intial series, we recommend administering the vaccine yearly and in some cases, twice a year depending on your location in an endemic area or travel plans.

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). Affected horses will walk with a stiff gait progressing to rigid paralysis and possibly convulsions. Death can occur due to paralysis of the muscles used for breathing. The bacteria is found in horse manure and the environment. The vaccine is very effective and administered once yearly. The vaccine is boostered in case of laceration, surgery, or pentrating 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. Signs of this disease are variable. It is 100% fatal and is transmissible to humans. 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. Signs of this disease include low-grade fever, inappetance, lethargy, and neurological signs characterized by problems maintaining balance and strength. After the intial series, we recommend boostering this vaccine yearly before the start of mosquito season and in some cases, twice a year depending on your location within an endemic area or travel plans. Horses that travel south should be boostered 2 weeks before travelling.

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. This vaccine is often combined with the rhinopneumonitis vaccine.

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 can cause high fever, laminitis, and severe diarrhea. The vaccine is fairly effective and is administered once a year. It is administered 2-4 times 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 usually given once a year. In endemic barns (that have frequent outbreaks) or for horses that travel extensively, we may recommend twice yearly vaccination.