GET YOUR HORSE READY TO GO                 

Jeske Noordergraaf, VMD

March 2004

Most horses get the winter off from trail riding or showing.  Before starting a new season, we recommend having your veterinarian give your horse a "Spring Tune-Up" Here is what we commonly do.  If your horse has special needs, more may be included.

1.   Physical Exam:  We will listen to your horse’s heart and lungs and check it over.
      Is the weight appropriate?  Does your horse look healthy?  Have there been
      any problems?

2.  Vaccinations:   There are 9 diseases we can vaccinate your horse against.

• Tetanus- this is a concern if your horse gets hurt.

•  Encephalitis- we vaccinate for Eastern and Western  Encephalitis (sleeping sickness) in this area.

• West Nile Virus- has received lots of press.   Again this is carried by mosquitoes.

• Influenza- this is a respiratory virus horses can catch from other  horses.

• Rhinopneumonitis- herpes virus has 3 forms- respiratory, reproduction & encephalitis.  We vaccinate pregnant mares at 5, 7 and 9 months to prevent abortion and vaccinate all horses for the respiratory form.

• Rabies- horses become infected by being bitten by a wild animal  with the disease.  In this area we worry about skunks.

• Potomac Horse Fever- the organism is transmitted in snail droppings.  Horses become infected as they graze in wet lands or around creeks.

• Strangles- horses transmit this from one to another.  Once a horse recovers,  the bacteria can be shed for another 6   months.

• Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is carried by possums and is passed by their feces.

3.   Your horse is required to have an Equine Infectious Anemia or a Coggins Test  if it is going to be shown or 
       cross  state lines.

4.   Teeth:  We will look in a horse’s mouth to determine if there are sharp edges, caps, wolf teeth or other problems.
      Signs that a horse may show if having teeth problems include weight loss, trouble eating and even problems with
      the bit. 

5.   Geldings and stallions need to have their sheath cleaned at least once a year to remove beans, dirt and have it
     examined for tumors.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Just as you have your truck oil changed and the tire pressure checked before heading out, make sure your horse is prepared too.