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Discussion on West Nile vaccination and poor Mickey
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 9, 2011 - 9:57 am:
Hi Dr.O and All,
Yesterday I vaccinated Mickey for West Nile. He was coming along so well: Shed his coat nicely layer of fat all over, even his butt is covered with the tiniest amount of flesh, I would say all over a 5. Happily jumping and bucking around..
So I decided he was in for vaccinations. The two horses rarely get off the property or in contact with others but I felt that starting with a West Nile would be smart, there are hardly any mosquitoes over here but I found that one would be enough?
Anyway he immediately got colicky that's subsided now but he definitely is still depressed and not feeling well. Boy is this horse old if he isn't feeling well[well in his thirties is the guess] I already decided not to give him the repeat west nile[unless you Dr. O tell me that's stupid] So Question: what do I do with the fourway he is scheduled for in two weeks? How risky is it to leave him alone? I do not know what exactly is in it and am not familiar with these vaccines.
Mickey is doing great but he is at the stage in life where every little problem can be his last.
BTW he is very well dewormed and that has never given a problem[hurray!]
Jos
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 9, 2011 - 10:49 am:
Hi Jos. Just wondering, did you do the vaccinations yourself? Did mare have any reaction at all? I've noticed that most problems occur when owners do own vaccinations. I wonder if it's the vaccine they use. If they were obtained through a vet supply or catalogue and not through the vet's office, I wonder about how old they were or pure they were. I know our neighbor (not Troy, the lady at the end of the road) almost lost two horses a couple of years ago using vaccine she bought at local feed store instead of through the vet's office. When she carefully looked at the labels (after vaccinating) she found the vaccines were quite old. Our vet says that often vaccines and antibiotics in feed stores and catalogue supplies aren't handled carefully either (not kept at right temps often.) Just a thought. I've always had our older horses vaccinated with never a problem. Generally, I think it's more important with older and younger than middle aged horses as they are more susceptable to things. You are very isolated, though, so it might be different in your case. I hope Mickey recovers quickly.
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 9, 2011 - 5:34 pm:
Hi Sara,
Yes I vaccinated myself and bought at the feedstore[they have a vet come by also to do dogs etc as a service and I had good experiences with that vet]as I still have to find a 'housevet'I like.But the vaccine dates were very new and I got it from the fridge wrapped with a coldpack and the order to go home with it asap Porcelynn arrived vaccinated against 'everything' so Mickey was the only victim. Made sure I didn't hit a vein and his neck is not sore and btw he is doing much better now.
Finished his [extensive] breakfast and after being hosed down and cleaned up rolled in the muddiest place he could find and was a bit tired looking but 'himself' again.
I will need to give him the 4 way I think it stated it seems to be the tetanus containing one and I do not want to give up on that, to risky imo. But the West Nile only if Dr O thinks I have to..
Jos
PS I will drag him to the clinic I like in Ramona and a vet if necessary but I would have to arrange a trailer, he will yell and get upset Porcelyn ditto and I have vaccinated quite a few horses although usually under the watchful eye of a vet because quite a lot objected lees to me then the vet close to them with a needle. I didn't feel this was an unreasonable risk?
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 9, 2011 - 10:28 pm:
Just thought I'd mention the sometimes problems with store bought vaccines. You were smart to keep in cold pack until you got home with it; you folks are having some hot weather now! Glad Mickey is recovered. Maybe the 2nd vaccination won't be as difficult for him. The 4 way often makes my horses a little "down" for about a day. I make a point of not working them the following day, just turnout as moving around seems to help them. I figure it's like babies when they get their shots; they are often cranky and out of sorts for a day or so afterwards. Boy, we should ask someone from Lou's if they know a good vet in your area. Remind me. I think Jackie lives out in your direction but am not sure.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 10, 2011 - 9:20 pm:
Hello jos,
To help your horse feel better quicker I would recommend you consider the treatments outlined in the article associated with this discussion area.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate depends on the risk of vaccine related problems vs the potential benefit from the vaccine. You should discuss with your veterinarian your concerns and the risks of the diseases in the area so that you can make the best decision concerning vaccination. I have two horses in the practice that colic following routine vaccination that is completely prevented by predosing with flunixin. You should discuss with your veterinarian this option.
DrO
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 10, 2011 - 10:42 pm:
Thanks Dr O that will be the best way to go.
Jos
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Member:
lynnland
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Posted on Monday, Jul 11, 2011 - 7:12 am:
Hi Jos,
I ride out of a large hunter/jumper training barn (~ 60 horses) and the mosquitoes in northern Ontario are simply insane. We have at least a few horses each year react negatively to the west nile vaccine to the point that many people are no longer giving it. It is always administered by a vet. Unfortunately I dont' have details for the vaccine.
Lynn
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