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  Discussion on Tetanus Vax for Foal
Author Message

Posted on Sunday, Oct 22, 2000 - 4:17 pm:

Hi DrO
My 6 1/2 month orphaned foal had a tetanus shot the end of June. He never had a booster. Yesterday I found him struggling under the bottom board of his 4 board fenced pasture. After I checked him over I was surprised to find only a small (1/4 inch) cut on his hind leg. On inspection of the fence board I found a rusty nail on the bottom board. UGH! Cold hosed and put ointment on it. My question is in regard to the tetanus vax. Should I give him the toxoid or the antigen? or both? I read the articles and similar post but am still uncertain what is best.
Thanks Doc!
Barbara

Posted on Monday, Oct 23, 2000 - 7:10 am:

Since he is likely to be completely unprotected you should give both and don't forget the booster this time!
DrO

Posted on Monday, Oct 23, 2000 - 8:27 am:

Thank you very much DrO
I will give him the shots ...and wont forget the booster...
Barbara

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 24, 2000 - 8:35 am:

Hi DrO
I just wanted to let you know that I gave the weanling both shots and have the booster to give in 4 weeks. When I asked my vet about giving the antitoxin, she didn't think he needed it. But I would rather be safe than sorry.
Thanks again for your advice.
Barbara

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 25, 2000 - 6:07 am:

Hello Barbara,
This is a important question as the antitoxin is not perfectly safe, you must weigh the pluses and minuses. Why does your vet feel your foal may not need the antitoxin protection? I do not know any work to suggest that one shot will protect nor that maternal immunity will last that long.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 25, 2000 - 8:18 am:

Hi DrO

I read up on the antitoxin here and on it's insert. I know that there is a slight risk giving it, but I think it was worth taking.
My vet seemed to think the intitial shot in June and a toxoid now would have his immune system up. I am not so sure, especially since his mother's history is unknown.
Thanks and I will keep my fingers crossed that this guy develops no problems from the shot down the road.

Barbara
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