Proper Health Care

The average equine gestation period is 345 days, plus or minus 2 weeks, depending on the breed and climate in which the mare resides. Mares foaling in warmer climates or during warmer months tend to deliver early, although those due in colder months or climates are more likely to exceed their expected due date. Maiden mares, or first-time mothers, might deliver prematurely.

Early in pregnancy, or at least 45 days prior to foaling, remove mares from fescue grass to prevent future problems. Fescue toxicity in pregnant mare causes significant problems, including prolonged gestation, retained placenta, absence of milk and delivery of weak foals.

Continue routine vaccinations based on your geographical recommendations. If your barn has several breeding females, heavy horse traffic or a history of abortion, vaccinate pregnant mares at 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation for the abortogenic strain of equine herpes virus, EHV-1, to protect against late-term abortions and birth defects. Don’t confuse this with immunization for rhinopneumonitis, or EHV-4, a different viral strain that causes respiratory and neurological disease in young and adult horses.

Give all mares tetanus toxoid boosters 6 weeks prior to their due dates to protect them during and after delivery, and to ensure that their colostrum contains adequate levels of antibodies to the disease. The organism that causes tetanus is actively secreted in horse manure and lives in the environment where horses are kept, making them extremely susceptible to the disease. Mares are particularly vulnerable at foaling time, especially in cases of prolonged labor, or when partially retained fetal membranes are allowed to contact the ground. Foals, meanwhile, are at risk of contracting tetanus through their navels.

You can safely treat mares for parasites throughout their pregnancies, and it’s recommended that you deworm pregnant mares 6 weeks prior to their expected due dates. This ensures that they’re in good condition at foaling and that their milk is free of parasites.

Mares that have undergone Caslick’s procedures need special attention. In this minor surgical procedure, the upper portion of the vulva is sutured shut following breeding, allowing just enough space for the mare to urinate. It’s performed primarily in older mares with genital conformations that contribute to fecal contamination of their reproductive tracts. Without this procedure, many mares are unable to carry a pregnancy to term. In preparation for foaling, the veterinarian opens the vulva by cutting along the center where the tissue has been sewn together, while using local anesthesia.

It’s also advisable to remove shoes, to prevent mares from injuring themselves during labor and damaging their foals after delivery. Bare feet aren’t nearly as dangerous to delicate newborn flesh or as likely to cause fractures as those that are shod.

Expectant mares should receive moderate exercise to maintain fitness, even in the last weeks of pregnancy. Daily exercise strengthens muscles, promotes circulation and prevents colic. Even though pregnancy and impending lactation increase nutritional demands, don’t allow mares to become sedentary and obese. Mares rarely suffer from obesity-related dystocia (difficult birth), but extra weight causes fatigue during delivery.

Comfortable Accommodations

Mares can safely foal in a variety of locations, but it’s imperative that they become accustomed to their birthing location at least 2 weeks in advance. In mild climates and during warm months, turned-out expectant mares can comfortably foal on grass. However, in extreme weather, move them to an alternate area. Avoid placing late-term mares in expansive areas where they aren’t easily observed. Small paddocks or pastures are ideal. If the mare is pastured but expected to foal inside, bring her in at night for the last few weeks of her pregnancy to introduce her to the new accommodations.

Fencing should consist of some type of flank – avoid mesh and barbed wire. Follow the same fencing guidelines when preparing turnout areas for mothers and their babies. Bear in mind that it’s difficult for foals, with their immature vision, to decipher mesh, even that constructed of small weave. Additionally, young foals might fatigue or injure themselves trying to keep pace with their dams in large areas, so keep them in a more manageable location.

The idea foaling stall is at least 12 by 16 feet, the roomier the better. Mares need enough room to safely turn and roll without injuring themselves or becoming cast during the initial stage of labor. The stall should have sufficient room for attendants or the veterinarian to work in emergency situations. At the same time, a larger stall allows new foals room to romp and play without injuring themselves.

Solid walls with no holes or loose boards are safest. Don’t leave space between planks or under the bottoms of walls or doors. Check carefully for nails or any other protruding objects. Water and feed sources are safest at ground level, as foals can get caught in buckets or tubs hung on walls.

Proper ventilation is necessary to ensure the respiratory health of mothers and their new arrivals. The lower levels of foaling stalls should be draft-free, with adequate air exchange above. Stalls with open tops or constructed from bars are generally well ventilated, but might not offer enough warmth in colder climates. Cold areas might require completely enclosed foaling stalls.

Adequate barn and stall lighting allows you to observe expectant mares. Ideally, provide sufficient light to watch mares, without disturbing their rest. Most importantly, ensure that enough light is available to work in emergency situations.

Straw is the best bedding for foaling stalls. Avoid sawdust and shavings, because they’re dusty and can lead to respiratory disease in foals. They also tend to stick to moist surfaces, which can contribute to reproductive infections in postpartum mares. Wood bedding also is associated with higher ammonia levels in barns. If mares are ordinarily bedded on shavings or sawdust, change to straw a few weeks in advance to allow time to acclimate. Before switching back after delivery, allow another few weeks for the risk of health-related complications to subside. And remember to provide mares plenty of hay on which to nibble to prevent them from eating their bedding. Don’t bed stalls too deeply, or it might be difficult for wobbly foals to stand. Avoid stall mats when possible because they’re slippery when wet. In permanently installed, cover them with a thin layer of sawdust for traction before covering with straw.

In areas where temperatures fall below freezing, heat lamps are often necessary additions. To optimize their use, place them in stalls with ceilings, which helps prevent the heat from escaping. Focus the light into the corner nearest the lamp rather than trying to scatter it over the entire space. This produces a cozy area for the occupants, while still allowing them to escape the heat. Always exercise caution with any heat source. Specifically, make sure horses can’t chew on the cords.

Foaling Detection

Fortunately, there are a number of devices on the market today aimed at predicting foaling. They include surveillance cameras designed to observe expectant mares in foaling stalls and throughout the barn and paddock areas. The systems consists of closed-circuit video cameras connected to a television or computer that allows horse owners or foaling attendants to watch for signs of impending labor in mares without directly observing them.

Monitors that connect to halters can detect restless movement or whether the mare is lying down, while others respond to changes in skin moisture. Vaginal monitors are inserted directly into the vagina or sewn into the vulva to detect contractions. Exercise caution with these types, though, as they can lead to vaginal and rectal lacerations once the foal’s feet have entered the birth canal. Never rely heavily on any of these devices as primary indicators of foaling, because they’re often misleading and provide a false sense of security. Nothing replaces good, old-fashioned observation.

Calling for Help

One of the most difficult aspects of foaling is knowing when to call the veterinarian, because every birth is ultimately unique. If you feel uncomfortable, or uncertain that you can handle the situation, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian. Many horse owners experience anxiety about having their veterinarian make “wasted” trips, but any equine practitioner would rather take time out of a busy day to find a healthy mare and foal, than face a situation that’s escalated into a dismal prognosis.

Give your veterinarian a list of foaling dates and potential problems ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to have a competent back-up veterinarian in the event yours is unavailable. Keep phone numbers and contact information convenient at all times. And in case of emergency, be prepared to provide details when the veterinarian arrives.

Normal Foaling Stages

The first stage of labor can last up to 8 hours. During this time, the mare experiences contractions as the foal moves into position for delivery. If this stage lasts longer or seems more violent than expected, call your veterinarian immediately.

The second stage of labor begins when the mare’s water breaks and usually lasts only about a half-hour before the foal is delivered.

After the allantoic fluid escapes, the foals front feet should appear within a few minutes. One foot should be farther forward, with the nose resting on top of the legs. If the foal doesn’t present normally, or if more than 45 minutes has elapsed, seek immediate help.

When they initially appear, the foal’s feet will most likely still be encased in the amniotic membrane, which should rupture as the foal advances. If the membrane appears overly thickened, or if the foal is enclosed in a bright red sac, the sac must be opened immediately with blunt scissors. During a red-bad delivery, the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus before the foal is delivered. If not opened immediately, the foal will suffocate. In this case, there’s no time to wait for your veterinarian to arrive.

Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect any abnormality. Remember that harm can be inflicted by either action or inaction. Being prepared can’t ensure that foaling will proceed without incident, but it sure helps when circumstances take an unexpected turn.

USDA official slams horse groups hard

A Department of Agriculture representative who enforces the Horse Protection Act had critical comments for the local equine industry this past weekend.

Dr. Chester Gipson, Deputy Administrator for Animal Care with USDA-APHIS, met Saturday with members of the Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA) in Murfreesboro, telling members enforcement of the Act would be no different during the 2012 show season than it was last year.

But Gibson also told WHOA members that the Walking Horse industry had “no credible voice,” warning that they are dividing themselves, and urging unity.

Objections

“Unity” was the idea behind a committee that was formed in December to look at issues related to the future of the breed in the show ring and to also discuss unification within the performance horse division.

But the group, made up of WHOA, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA), Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) and The Celebration, has objected to any reduction of pads and action devices for walking horses, also opposing proposed mandatory penalties by the USDA.

According to the Walking Horse Report, Gibson said that the penalties, which he termed as the Uniform Penalty Protocol, is “hung up and I’m not quite sure when they will be completed. This process can take a long time and it has taken a lot longer than we thought.”

Surprise

Gipson was also quoted as being “surprised” by the feedback he has received in previous meetings with horse groups and individuals, telling WHOA members that he does “not have a hidden motive and I expect a certain level of distrust because I work for the government.”

The USDA official stated that unification “is an industry initiative and is a totally different issue from pads and action devices and they are totally separate.” But Gipson also urged the Walking Horse industry to unite behind a common goal.

“There is no credible voice within this industry and when someone doesn’t like something they spin off and create their own group,” Gipson was quoted as saying in the Walking Horse Report. “You are dividing and surrendering and we don’t have to do anything to you, you are doing it to yourself.”

He urged the industry to stop splintering saying, “there are more good resources in your industry than in any industry I know but they aren’t being used effectively.” However, Gipson was also quoted as being optimistic about the industry’s efforts at unification.

Pads and soring

Other topics the USDA official touched on were soring and pads and action devices, telling WHOA members that he had a responsibility to let the industry know what was on the horizon “especially when it may have an adverse effect on your industry.”

Gipson stated that regulations state “that if certain things didn’t change we would re-visit the action device and pad,” adding that other credible groups were looking at the issue, urging the walking horse industry to do the same.

“The issue is open and we are going to re-visit but that doesn’t mean anything will change,” Gipson was quoted as saying. “You need to provide alternatives based on fact and not emotion. We are going to do what’s best for the horse based on the best science.”

Gipson reportedly said that the issue of horse soring “has become an animal welfare issue,” explaining that groups such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association “have stepped up and become more active.”

Trainers and the industry were complimented by the USDA official as to advancements made on the scar rule, with Gipson explaining when he took the job, the Horse Protection Act “wasn’t being enforced, it was being ignored.”

“You can’t change overnight so we have taken a measured approach,” Gipson told WHOA members. “I joke with some of the trainers I talk to that said, ‘We can’t do it’ and tell them they did do it.” Gipson also stated that scar rule adherence was “where it needs to be.”

ID the horses

Gipson also spoke about two recommendations made in a 2010 audit of APHIS by the USDA’s Office Of Inspector General: abolishing of the Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) industry inspection program and the proper identification of horses.

The audit also said APHIS needed to improve its program for inspecting show horses for abuse and penalizing violators, as well as ensuring that Horse Protection Act violators do not participate in shows while suspended.

“Doing away with the DQP program would be a disaster for the USDA and for the industry,” he said, adding that the audit recommendation is that individuals serving as DQPs “do not need to have a conflict of interest.”

“The primary area of enforcement should be within the industry, but the USDA will take on the responsibility of training and licensing the DQPs as part of this recommendation from the OIG,” Gipson said.

Gipson also stated that the industry needs to address the issue of horses being identified properly, noting that the Justice Department had looked into the falsification of entries in several recent cases, saying “this is an opportunity for the industry to address this and look for solutions,” suggesting that placing microchips in horses to identify them is a possible solution.

Follow the law

Also addressed by Gipson were the “Points of Emphasis,” or rules for the Horse Protection Program, stating there isn’t much room for confusion on the part of the USDA.

“It’s the law, you don’t have to sign on (to the points of emphasis), you just have to follow the law,” Gipson said. “If anyone wants to challenge them, we cited the regulations behind each point.”

Gipson also said that petitions for rule making “drive very little of what we do,” explaining that he couldn’t think of a petition that has driven any regulation.

“Petitions are not driving your community, the OIG Audit is driving it,” he said, also clarifying that USDA initiates no regulation, they simply enforce it.

The USDA official also “laughed off the threat of litigation against him,” the Walking Horse Report stated, quoting Gipson to say that “I’m used to being threatened (to be sued) so all I can say is bring it on and I’m not intimidated by it.”

He also stated that the industry needs “a system where all horses are being checked by the same standard,” pointing out that the industry needs to self-regulate and continue the theme of unity.

“United, you stand a better chance than divided,” he said.

Gipson also said that the USDA was moving toward more transparency, explaining that was the motivation behind his previous visits in the Walking Horse industry as well as upcoming listening sessions.

“I have an open door policy and don’t discriminate against anyone or any group,” said Gipson. “We will focus our efforts on outreach, education and information sharing in an effort to try and let people know what is going on.”

The horse in the photo is my flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horse stallion, Tonto.

When choosing salt and minerals for horses, read the labels carefully and choose a supplement that corresponds to the needs of your area. For instance, there are regions of the country that are deficient in selenium and, thus, require additional supplementation. Meanwhile, other regions have excessive selenium in the soil – and adding more to the horse’s diet could result in toxicity.

While blocks are convenient and easy to use, loose salt and mineral are actually better for horses, which, unlike cows, grasp food (or any substance) with their lips rather than their tongues. Although horses that eat a balanced diet don’t generally have salt or mineral deficiencies, make them available throughout the year – not just during the warmer months of spring and summer.

While cleaning the wound, I went about the hard business of explaining that conventional treatment was simply not an option. The skin and subcutaneous tissues were ripped away, revealing the underlying muscle. Then, as the reality of the situation finally set in, I had a revelation. So, with as much confidence as I could muster, I explained that we would try an old remedy – honey.

Needless to say, I could see the skepticism on the owners’ faces as I told them to go shopping for raw honey, lots of it. Meanwhile, I gave the filly a tetanus shot and applied a half bottle of honey they had on hand – grocery store honey, but better than nothing – and left them with instructions to apply a generous amount of honey daily.

Each time I checked on the little gal, I was amazed at how well she was responding to the honey regimen. There were no signs of infection and the wound margins were rapidly shrinking. Within a few months, the only evidence of the trauma was a thin diagonal scar.

And so began my love affair with honey. Many years later I still marvel at the healing power of this amazing substance. But while it’s beginning to gain momentum in human practice, honey is not widely used in veterinary medicine.

A Natural Healer

Dating back thousands of years, the healing power of honey is well documented. Anthropologists have evidence that Egyptians used it as a remedy as early as 5,000 years ago, while Roman soldiers carried it into battle. Ancient cave paintings, meanwhile, depict primitive people robbing bees of their honey.

Considering the healing properties of honey, its loyal following throughout history is no surprise. Honey rapidly clears existing infection, while preventing additional invasion. This is because most bacteria are not capable of existing in the presence of honey due to it low-water content. That’s in addition to a low acidity that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

An antioxidant, honey also gains wound-fighting strength from another naturally occurring process: hydrogen peroxide is produced when honey is diluted by wound secretions, which aids in the natural debridement (removal of dead or damaged tissue) of wounds while preventing bandages from sticking. As a result, bandages can be left in place longer without being changed. This phenomenon is also responsible for reducing wound odors.

A natural anti-inflammatory, honey reduces swelling while stimulating epithelial tissue to expand – contributing to rapid healing with minimal scarring. Honey also appears to alleviate pain and help boost the immune system. Consult your veterinarian before starting a honey regimen.

Raw Honey Is Best

While honey from your grocery store may look pretty and impart a nice sweetness to your favorite tea, it’s a long way from raw honey. That’s because much of the therapeutic value is lost during processing. Pasteurized honey has been heated to reduce moisture, which helps prevent granulation and improves shelf life; however, this process also diminishes the healing constituents of honey.

As with anything else, organic is generally better. Organic honey is produced from hives untreated with antibiotics or pesticides – a real challenge in times with so much hive disease. In fact, organic bee colonies are maintained without using any chemicals and the hives are isolated in environmentally pure areas free from any potential environmental contaminants. Organic honey can be certified by national or independent agencies. Don’t assume that just because it’s raw honey that it’s organic as well.

Because raw honey isn’t heated, it’s prone to crystallization. This is a natural process and doesn’t harm the honey. When stored in large containers and at room temperature, it is less likely to granulate, but placing honey in the refrigerator will hasten the process. However, honey can be successfully frozen and thawed at room temperature without detrimental effect. When honey does crystallize, applying low heat will dissolve the crystals. But once dissolved, it should be demoted to kitchen use, as any amount of heat will diminish its therapeutic value.

A visit to you local natural food store will reveal a variety of raw honeys, all unique in color and clarity. Most raw honeys are sold in glass containers, but some producers offer the classic plastic honey-bear-bottle design. When shopping for raw honey, you’ll also encounter different varieties, such as clover, wildflower and tupelo. The flowers from which bees collect nectar contribute to the flavor and aroma of honey, and also determine its variety. Don’t be intimidated by the many different varieties; it’s simply a matter of personal choice. I’ve used practically all of them.

Proper Application Is Key

I have to admit, I’m fond of the honey-bear bottle (with tip) because it provides me better precision over small or hard-to-reach areas, while a tongue depressor and a large jar works best for extensive conditions. Whatever your method, apply a generous coating of honey daily. More severe conditions may require attention several times a day. After the initial cleaning, avoid cleansing the the area between applications – this will disrupt the healing process and introduce contamination. Just continue to add honey over top of existing residue.

There have been lots of changes in my career since that first experience with honey. I guess you could say that filly and I grew up together. She has thrived and so has my veterinary practice. And to this day, I am still a hero to her owners. Not because she went on to flourish – but I like to think because of my courage to go out on a limb.

Since then, my use of honey has multiplied and evolved numerous times over. I discovered many other uses besides catastrophic wounds – from the simple to the severe. Over the years, I have successfully utilized the healing powers of honey on a daily basis in my practice. And, at the same time, I began exploring other natural remedies to compliment my use of honey. Several paths coalesced and MeliHeal was born.

MeliHeal All Purpose Healing Salve is comprised of honey, lanolin and a blend of essential oils. I developed this all natural remedy over many years of experimentation in my practice. After years of successful use – and glowing testimonials from clients – I decided to make my product available to the general horse public. Using the highest quality therapeutic grade ingredients found in nature, MeliHeal creates an optimal environment for healing. I invite you to learn more about my product at www.MeliHeal.com.

Lameness is my biggest concern right now, but there are others, too.

Standing in mud or water for prolonged periods can lead to fungal and bacterial infections of the feet, such as scratches and thrush. Long periods of standing, in general, can cause poor circulation and impaired digestion, even depression. And this can lead to immune suppression and behavioral problems.

Make the Best of a Bad Situation

If possible, restrict access to deep areas, especially if there is standing water. And, if necessary, rearrange essentials on higher ground where there’s better drainage, but don’t expect your horse to travel slippery terrain to obtain food, water or shelter. Overall, there’s no need to pen your horse – he still needs fresh air and sunshine – just make a dry area available.

Excessive rain tends to wash all sorts of things to the surface – rocks, glass and other debris. The water also can stir up organisms in the ground, so make sure your horse is current on his tetanus vaccination. And don’t forget the bug spray.

Coggins testing, required by most states annually, is a blood test performed by your veterinarian to detect Equine Infectious Anemia. Less common since the advent of effective insect control, lower incidences of Equine Infectious Anemia have made horse owners and veterinarians a bit complacent.

However, as the Arkansas outbreak illustrates, this is no time for complacency. Spread via biting flies or blood-contaminated equipment, there is no treatment for Equine Infectious Anemia. As a result, horses that test positive are generally euthanized because of the mandatory lifelong quarantine.

Silent Carriers

While symptoms of Equine Infectious Anemia include loss of stamina, lack of condition, and anemia, some affected horses appear healthy. Fortunately, Coggins testing looks for those asymptomatic carriers that show no signs of sickness but are still capable of spreading the disease.

The case in Arkansas really brings this concern home. Of the 40 horses that tested positive and ultimately were euthanized, only two displayed signs of the disease. The good news is that this operation was a closed herd, without horses moving off the premises. Sadly, this likely contributed to the idea that Coggins testing was not necessary.

Simply put, every horse needs a Coggins – even if it never leaves home.

The good news is that healthy horses are not susceptible to West Nile Virus. In fact, your horse may have been infected and you didn’t even notice. Perhaps you detected some lethargy around the barn or the horse was a little off on the trail, and then returned to its usual self in a few days. In otherwise healthy horses, a light fever is likely the most common course of the disease.

Before automatically reaching for the needle, take time to understand the virus. For starters, do your part to control mosquitoes. And secondly, only vaccinate those at risk for West Nile Virus – young, old and debilitated horses are most susceptible. Since vaccines work by insulting the immune system, do not inject sick animals. Their defenses are already lagging and any vaccine will only depress their immune systems further.

Although the vaccines promise year-long immunity, booster your horse six weeks prior to the onset of mosquito season in your area. Since mosquito strikes peak in late summer and early fall, the West Nile Virus vaccine isn’t likely as effective when administered in spring. Now is the time to administer the vaccine.

As with any vaccine, there are potential side effects. I’ve seen adverse reactions with all of the West Nile Virus products ranging from the relatively minor (pain and swelling at the injection site) to significantly more serious side effects like anaphylaxis, as well as a mare with personality changes. The most common complaints are fever and swollen lymph nodes. Just last year, one manufacturer did a voluntary recall after reports of systemic reactions and death in horses after using their vaccine. If your horse has a reaction of any kind, it’s important to discontinue the vaccination.

If West Nile Virus vaccination is not for you, consider spending about the same amount of money on immune stimulants. Ask your veterinarian about an intravenous immune stimulant or invest in nutraceuticals like MSM and Ester C. Therapeutic grade essential oils – not those used for aromatic purposes – can also stimulate and protect the immune system. Lavender, orange and pine oils can be applied topically, while citronella, peppermint and eucalyptus oils can be incorporated into a homemade insect repellent.

Ultimately, I believe West Nile Virus vaccines serve a useful purpose – they just aren’t appropriate for every horse. Even though I don’t vaccinate my own, I encourage owners to weigh the pros and cons and make informed decisions. Do not allow a sense of guilt imposed upon you by the pharmaceutical industry replace your own good judgement.

When used correctly, vaccines decrease the severity and duration of disease. However, vaccines do not guarantee protection and may actually give horse owners a false sense of security. That’s because manufacturers often manipulate data to influence veterinarians and use clever advertising to create demand for their products. Lost in the marketing buzz is the fact that healthy horses are capable of fighting disease, and that excessive vaccination is eliminating that ability from the gene pool.

Skip the Candies and Go Straight for the Oil

While horses are known to indulge in the occasional peppermint candy treat, digestive upset calls for a stronger remedy: therapeutic-grade peppermint oil. “Therapeutic grade” simply means a very pure form of the oil, which is derived from a plant extract. You can find therapeutic-grade peppermint oil, which normally retails for about the same price as a couple bags of feed, online or at your local health-food store. Avoid cheaper aromatic only versions that offer no therapeutic value. I personally like Young Living essential oils.

For best results, apply a dab (moistened fingertip) of peppermint oil on the gums and under the belly of your horse. When applying, allow your horse to sniff the open vial to experience the stomach-soothing aromatic properties. Since essential oils are readily absorbed and act quickly, repeat every few hours. You should expect to a see a difference in about an hour.

This remedy is an aid for mild digestive upset only, and not intended to treat undiagnosed or severe gastrointestinal disorders.

Beau is a cremello. With his delicate skin and light hair, insects are drawn to him. It makes keeping him comfortable this time of year a real challenge.

Earlier this summer, a client gave me a bottle of Liquid Net insect repellent for horses. It was new to me, but I liked that it was all natural and had a pleasant scent. Without hesitation, I tried it on Beau.

Long story short, it really works. Beau is no longer covered with bites, and he even stands still when sprayed with Liquid Net. And though the label suggests re-applying after four hours, it lasts much longer.

This is not an official endorsement, just something I like for my own horse – and I thought you might like it, too.

Out of habit, I always look in the refrigerator at feed stores to see what kind of tetanus vaccine they sell. More often than not, I find vials of tetanus antitoxin along with, or in the place of, tetanus toxoid. I often wonder if the person doing the ordering understands the critical differences between the two vaccines.

Let’s take a look at both.

Tetanus Toxoid
Toxoid is the typical tetanus shot, the one you should use for your horse’s initial immunization and annual booster. It is labeled “for prevention of tetanus” and takes 2 to 3 weeks to confer immunity. Since horses are prone to tetanus, give a toxoid booster at least once a year, as well as with any surgical procedure or penetrating injury.

Tetanus Antitoxin
Antitoxin is labeled “for prevention and treatment of tetanus.” It offers immediate protection from tetanus for 7 to 14 days, so only use antitoxin when you need quick and temporary immunity against tetanus in an emergency involving an unvaccinated horse. However, remember to follow up with a tetanus toxoid vaccine.

It all seems innocent enough, but tetanus antitoxin is known to cause liver damage in as little as a single dose. So read the labels and make an informed decision, regardless of what you find in your store’s refrigerator.