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  Discussion on Tetanus Annually?
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 1999 - 12:59 pm:

In keeping with the growing body of thought that vaccines can have problems associated with them, and that we need to use them judiciously, I have started to question some practices which I've always taken for granted. In this case I'm wondering why it is necessary to vaccinate our horses annually for tetanus when humans in even high risk situations are told to be vaccinated only every ten years. Are there any good thoughts out there as to why we're told to follow an annual vaccination schedule for our horses? Is it possible that the protection actually lasts a lot longer than one year? My curious mind would like to know! :)
Jane

Posted on Sunday, Oct 24, 1999 - 11:44 am:

Hello Jane,
Currently there is no research to determine how long the tetanus vaccine is protective. Most veterinarians think protection is longer than a year after the first several vaccinations, but we have no proof.

Horses do seem to be more susceptible to tetanus than most species. They also seem to have more trouble with contaminated wounds that become infected. Is a recent review (1994) of 20 cases of tetanus the researchers concluded that yearly vaccine still be reommended based on the increased survival rate of vaccinates. But this recommendation may change.
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Oct 24, 1999 - 12:32 pm:

Jane,
I'm interested that you are told that tetanus vacs for humans need only be done every 10 years. The doctors here insist that humans working with horses need to be vaccinated every 3 years and, since I usually forget, I get a regular mouthful and have to cart me and grooms for the nasty needle. Are you sure it is ten years? Since I hate injections, I would be delighted!

-Alexa-

Posted on Sunday, Oct 24, 1999 - 9:12 pm:

Hi Jane,

Perhaps it depends upon where you live. The recommendation here is every 10 years as well but if you recieve a wound that could develop tetenus you get the needle then.

Teresa

Posted on Monday, Oct 25, 1999 - 12:43 pm:

Dr. Oglesby - Thanks for your reply. That is exactly the type of answer I was looking for!

Alexa - Don't listen to me over the advice of your doctors! :) However, I believe Teresa's reply really states the recomendations that I hear from my doctors, also. (I'm in Colorado) I'm told to go every 10 years, but I'd be reboostered if I received a wound that might cause tetanus. Perhaps you could ask around a bit to see if three years is really necessary?

Thanks all, for your replies.

Jane

Posted on Saturday, Aug 19, 2000 - 11:21 am:

I am a new horse owner. My mare is 10 years old. I need to know all the different vaccines my horse will need for the year. The owner has just wormed her, but I'm sure she has not given her any of her yearly vaccinations. I live in Kansas if that makes a difference. She we be the only critter in the pasture and no other large animals around for miles except deer. I will also check with my vet, but I wanted to see what you recommend.

Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2000 - 10:05 am:

Donna,
Instead of posting your question at the bottom of someone elses discussion you should create your own. You will get more responses and it helps others find related information better.

Before you post a new forum discussion your questions are answered already in existing articles and forum discussions on your subject. This is the appropriate topic for your subject, so just back up to your topic using the navigation bar at the top of this page and select the approriate articles.

If after reviewing the already existing resources your question remains unanswered go to the closest topic and post to that forum by clicking on, "New Discussions" and choose a title that is descriptive.
Thank You,
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