Well, it is that time again. The fall season is one of reviewing our horses medical, dental, and nutritional status, as well as vaccination and deworming needs. As the weather changes, it is also an optimal time to review your horse’s medical conditions and any lameness issues that may have become obvious over the summer months.
As the colder weather sets in, your horse begins to burn a significant number of calories simply to maintain body temperature. This additional need for calories makes your horses dental and nutritional status, as well as any potential parasites, even more important to their overall wellness throughout the winter months. Your horse should also be dewormed and checked for parasites, as well as having their teeth looked at to determine if they are in need of floating.
In addition to these needs, with the change in temperature comes the increased potential of viral respiratory diseases. Both Equine Influenza Virus and Equine Herpes Virus (rhino pneumonitis) can induce debilitating upper respiratory disease and result in potential pneumonia. Fall vaccinations for these two diseases will significantly reduce the potential of either of these viral entities producing a clinical disease, and are available in a combination vaccine. We recommend boostering the Rhino/Influenza vaccination in the fall, as well as again in the spring with the rest of the vaccinations.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for a vaccination booster, or any of the other procedures mentioned above, please call our office. Your horse’s health is important to us, and we would like to keep them going strong.
