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Fall Newsletter 2007
Article Posted on:
08/14/07
Reminder Notice
It is time to start thinking about fall vaccinations and teeth checkups for your horse. This year it is more important than ever to do the fall set of vaccines to insure the best protection against Potomac Horse Fever and West Nile Virus. We have seen a dramatic increase in Potomac Horse Fever this summer due to the sporadic rains and hot weather. These are ideal conditions for vector borne diseases (diseases brought to your horse by bugs!). Fall is also a great time to make sure your horse’s teeth are in top form to chew efficiently going into winter when the quality of grass or hay tends to go down. This is especially important for the older horses.
Call now to set up your appointment: 434-591-1260
or go online to: www.jamesriverequine.com
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) is a bacterial disease carried in water insects and fresh water snails. Horses kept in moist environments near natural water sources are at risk. Any pasture in Virginia can have snails that harbor PHF. It is even found under wet stall mats. The vaccines is NOT perfect and does not give full protection from the disease, however studies have shown that vaccinated horses are more likely to survive the disease if they get it. The disease causes a watery diarrhea, mild fever, lethargy, and protein loss that can cause the ventral midline to swell. In severe cases, laminitis and organ failure precede death. This is a very nasty bug! If caught early and treated with intravenous antibiotics and supportive care, the horse has a high chance of recovery. If it is not caught early, it can be fatal.
One case of West Nile Virus has been diagnosed as of this writing in Northern Virginia. Vaccination is highly protective and recommended in the Fall as well as the Spring.
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