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  Discussion on Who gives your shots?
Author Message
Member:
Prakashb

Posted on Sunday, Apr 9, 2006 - 8:03 pm:

Hey, I was just wondering how many of you buy your own vaccines and give them, and how many of you guys have the vet do it? We have about 40 horses that get done, so it really would be more efficient if we did them ourselves, but I just wanted to know what everyone else's preferences were? And are there certain shots that need to or SHOULD be given by a vet? Any input would be appreciated =D
Member:
Onehorse

Posted on Sunday, Apr 9, 2006 - 8:27 pm:

I give as many of the shots/vaccines that I can myself. In WI, that now includes West Nile. The only vaccine that I'm aware of that requires to be administered by a vet is rabbies. Be sure to check your state's policy's for what you can and can't administer yourself.
Member:
Vickiann

Posted on Sunday, Apr 9, 2006 - 10:18 pm:

There is always some chance of severe allergic reaction to vaccines (even when a horse has tolerated the vaccine in the past), and if this were to happen I certainly would prefer to have a Vet. present. I also have a Vet. do my immunizations partly because I want to maintain a relationship with them in case of emergency. If you are their client they will know who you are and where you are if you call in an emergency. It seems pretty clear in conversations with the local Vets that if you have a Dr./patient relationship your needs will take precedence over those of unknown barns. What is that worth to you?
Member:
Christel

Posted on Sunday, Apr 9, 2006 - 11:23 pm:

I purchase mine from my vet, but give them myself.
I keep epiniphrine on hand in case of bad reaction. Knock on wood, have never had a bad reaction.
I hate giving shots, but it saves much time and money to do it myself.
Chris
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Apr 10, 2006 - 7:30 am:

Always a great question and our recommendation is to if at all possible allow your veterinarian to do it. Though we give extensive advice on types and procedures, Vicki's point is very important. Large animals veterinarians are one of the few professionals who still are on call 24/7/365 and they are becoming increasingly choosy about how they spend their off hours particularly after they start a family. Having them out to do your regular vaccines helps insure when you need them at 1am they will do all they can to be there.

Also I would hope they give the best advice about what diseases you need to worry about locally. Lastly though anaphylaxis from vaccines is very rare, (I have never had one despite having given somewhere approaching 100,000 vaccine injections) it is life threatening reaction that needs prompt attention.

There are some situations where it might make the most sense for you to give your vaccinations
  • no local veterinary care
  • large herds
but if you do be prepared to have to handle (or at least accept the consequence) of reactions and transport your horse in cases of emergency.
DrO
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Apr 10, 2006 - 8:01 am:

At the barn where I board my mare, the owner gives all her own horses their shots, but I have my vet come out to give them to my horse. Two reasons: Although I feel the barn owner is completely competant to give my horse the shots, I like that "relationship" with the vet, as discussed above. The second reason is that when the vet is out to give the vaccinations, I also have her give my horse a quick physical exam. Just a "wellness" check up, so that if there any early signs of something that I may have missed, the vet may pick up on it.
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