Spring 2010: Time to Vaccinate Again?
a message from Ernesto J Sandigo, D.V.M. and Joan M Duquette, B.S., C.V.T.
When emergencies occur with your horse either from injuries or other ailments your investment to get him well can be significant. Vaccinations are an investment in prevention, and having your veterinarian administer them regularly puts you in a position to help you prevent or manage other issues.
Seasonal weather changes is the time to re-assess your horses’ preventive care. Check immunizations, review your de-worming schedule, make seasonal dietary adjustments, prevent and rule out new and ongoing health issues.
Why should I have the veterinarian administer vaccinations when I can do it myself?
There are inherent risks associated with the administration of vaccinations. There are several severe reactions which can occur, and no matter how small the risk, the results can be catastrophic. Self-reliant owners, however, know that when it comes to vaccinations, having a close veterinary relationship is the key to safety for their horse.
Your veterinarian is your horses’ primary care physician, and by giving him/her the opportunity to examine and observe your horse, you enable him/her to make and share observations from the point of view of a professional who has dedicated his/her life to specializing in equine health.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
First, your veterinarian will determine that your horse appears healthy to receive vaccinations, as not vaccinating a sick horse reduces the risk of reaction significantly. Next, your veterinarian looks for signs and symptoms of problems that may not be discernable or troublesome to you. He/she will engage in a dialog about diet, chewing, and behavioral issues and may be able to offer suggestions on ways to cope with these issues. Oral health can be a primary factor in your horses’ overall health. These should be examined once a year and as needed, as many problems have their start in the mouth. While you are discussing these matters, the veterinarian is observing your horse for immediate reactions to the vaccination, and is equipped to deal with an emergency.
Regular consultations with your veterinarian are highly recommended for the overall health of your horse. Leaving it up to nature, especially in the area of vaccine preventable illness, risks reducing the amount of time that you share in joy/combat with your main riding partner!