THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Suggested Immunizations
“What exactly should we be immunizing our horses against?” Vaccinations still remain an important aspect of good equine health management. Based upon the latest information, we’ve decided to keep our recommendations the same as last year. All horses one year of age or older, and that have received their primary series of inoculations appropriately, should receive the following:
1. Complete annual physical exam.
2. Fecal exam for parasites annually.
3. Eastern, Western Encephalomyelitis with tetanus toxoid combination vaccine, annually.
4. Potomac Horse Fever with Rabies vaccine.
5. West Nile Encephalomyelitis vaccine, annually.
Horses that are traveling, are in training, or boarded should also receive the following:
6. Strangles vaccination, every 6 months.
7. Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis, every 6 months.
8. Booster Potomac Horse Fever late July/Early August.

Are you prepared for an equine emergency?

1. Do you know how to reach your veterinarian in case of an emergency?
  Keep your veterinarians number posted so that you and anyone that maybe caring for your horses can easily locate it during an emergency. Our practice has an emergency doctor paging system. Remain calm while the paging system contacts the veterinarian with your emergency information. Please remember that the veterinarian may be assisting another client with an emergency and will call you back as soon as he/she can.
2. Would you be able to respond to your veterinarian's questions in regards to your horse's vital signs during an emergency?  
 

We recommend that you become familiar with the following vital signs of your horse. If you are unfamiliar as to how to assess your horse's vital signs, ask your veterinarian to show you during your horse's next visit.

  • Normal Vital Signs
    • Temperature normal range is 99.5 to 101.5F
    • Respiration 12 to 16 breaths per minute
    • Pulse 36 to 40 beats per minute
    • Capillary refill time should be less than 2 seconds
    • Mucous membrane should be pale pink
3. Gum Color

Gum Color – Mucous membranes, easily visible by looking at horse’s gums, are key indicators of health. Check gum color regularly, and always inspect it when illness is suspected.

Color: Indication:
Pink Normal
Pale Compromised circulation, which could mean shock.
Deep red Possible toxicity in system.
Purple, blue Low oxygen levels, or serious internal toxins.

4. Do you have a properly stocked emergency kit on hand?
 

Your emergency kit should include the following items:

  • Thermometer
  • Banamine Paste
  • Bute Paste or Tablets
  • Triple Antibiotic Ointment
  • Furazolidone Spray
  • Combine Leg Wrap
  • Vet Wrap
  • Wet Pruf Wound Pad
  • Elastikon Tape
  • Chlorhexidine Scrub Brush

Other items that should be in your emergency kit include:

  • Stethoscope
  • Antibiotic Eye Ointment
  • Gauze
  • Duct Tape
  • Towels

Are you and your horse frequent travelers?

  • If you are, you should have 2 well stocked emergency kits available. One to be kept at your farm and one in your horse trailer.
  • Your veterinarian maybe able to help you locate equine veterinarians along your route and at your destination.
  • Bayer Corporation sponsors a website that can assist you with information for AAEP member veterinarians at your destination, www.getadvm.com.