OldDog/NewTricks
Well-known member
TETANUS AND STRANGLES
Foals can be started on their vaccination course against both diseases at about 12 weeks of age.
Protection for the first 12 weeks of life occurs if a previously vaccinated mare is given another booster at least 2–6 weeks before foaling.
Strangles and tetanus both require two or more primary doses at specific time intervals to produce effective immunity below, and the
TETANUS
Tetanus occurs when a wound becomes infected with the tetanus spores, which are present in soil.
Horses are extremely susceptible to this disease. Once inside the wound, if the conditions are favorable, the spores will germinate and produce a powerful toxin that affects the central nervous system. The size of the wound can be so small that it may not be noticed. Some of the signs to look for in a horse suspected of having tetanus are evidence of the third eyelids prolapsing across the eyes, a stiff-legged gait, often with the tail held out away from the body, pricked ears and "lockjaw". The muscles become rigid and the horse may go down. Convulsions can occur and death may result from paralysis of the respiratory system. Treatment is difficult, expensive and often unsuccessful.
Every horse from the age of 12 weeks should begin a vaccination program to provide long term protection against tetanus. If a wound occurs, tetanus antitoxin (Equivac TAT) may be given for short-term protection.
STRANGLES
1. Strangles is a disease transmitted from horse to horse—animals that remain in isolation are not at risk. Horses attending studs, shows or camps, or those which are away on agistment, are at risk, and epidemics may follow such events. These horses should be vaccinated throughout their life.
2. Boosters should be given annually.
3. Unfortunately the strangles vaccine is not as effective as the tetanus vaccine. Occasionally the disease occurs in horses which have been vaccinated. However, vaccination is still recommended to reduce risks.
4. There is no immediate short-term protection for strangles should an outbreak occur. Seek immediate veterinary attention.
Foals can be started on their vaccination course against both diseases at about 12 weeks of age.
Protection for the first 12 weeks of life occurs if a previously vaccinated mare is given another booster at least 2–6 weeks before foaling.
Strangles and tetanus both require two or more primary doses at specific time intervals to produce effective immunity below, and the
TETANUS
Tetanus occurs when a wound becomes infected with the tetanus spores, which are present in soil.
Horses are extremely susceptible to this disease. Once inside the wound, if the conditions are favorable, the spores will germinate and produce a powerful toxin that affects the central nervous system. The size of the wound can be so small that it may not be noticed. Some of the signs to look for in a horse suspected of having tetanus are evidence of the third eyelids prolapsing across the eyes, a stiff-legged gait, often with the tail held out away from the body, pricked ears and "lockjaw". The muscles become rigid and the horse may go down. Convulsions can occur and death may result from paralysis of the respiratory system. Treatment is difficult, expensive and often unsuccessful.
Every horse from the age of 12 weeks should begin a vaccination program to provide long term protection against tetanus. If a wound occurs, tetanus antitoxin (Equivac TAT) may be given for short-term protection.
STRANGLES
1. Strangles is a disease transmitted from horse to horse—animals that remain in isolation are not at risk. Horses attending studs, shows or camps, or those which are away on agistment, are at risk, and epidemics may follow such events. These horses should be vaccinated throughout their life.
2. Boosters should be given annually.
3. Unfortunately the strangles vaccine is not as effective as the tetanus vaccine. Occasionally the disease occurs in horses which have been vaccinated. However, vaccination is still recommended to reduce risks.
4. There is no immediate short-term protection for strangles should an outbreak occur. Seek immediate veterinary attention.