Vaccinations

 Please contact Head for the Hills Veterinary Health Services and we will be happy to create a vaccination program that is tapered specifically for your horse.

The vaccines and vaccine protocols listed below are based on 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.

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 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.  Vaccine protection lasts 6-7 months.

Rhinopneumonitis: Rhinopneumonitis is a herpes virus which causes respiratory infections, abortions, and inflammation of the spinal cord. The vaccine is not  100% effective; however, severity of symptoms and duration of symptoms is decreased in vaccinates. 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, but there is hope of some cross protection..

Influenza:Influenza is a virus that causes high fever and respiratory infection. Horses travelling to shows, sales, racing events, etc..should be vaccinated for Influenza.  There are injectable and intra nasal forms of this vaccine.

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. The vaccine is given once a year except in endemic barns( that have frequent outbreaks) where semiannual vaccination is recommended.  This is a good vaccine to consider if you have a young horse that is going into a training facility.