"Spring is the best time for preventative care and vaccinations"
North Bridge Equine
Febuary 1, 2014

Happy February!  We are half way through winter, keeping busy and hoping Punxatawny Phil blesses us with a sign for early spring! The days are getting longer and spring is closer than you think.  We still have many cold, wintry days ahead but there's no harm it starting to plant a few seeds for what spring will bring. Please read on for great winter riding tips and a concise, easy- to- read chart on vaccines for every horse.


Thinking of Spring? Think Vaccines!

North Bridge Equine

offers a comprehensive preventative care and vaccination program for your horses.  Sport horses usually receive vaccinations divided into 2-3 appointments approximately two weeks apart.  Pleasure horses may receive vaccination in 1 or 2 visits dependent on use, age, and any history of reactions to vaccines. We suggest spring vaccination be completed between March and May.   Please call  Kari (978-337-1260) to schedule your spring vaccine appointments. 

 

At the BOTTOM of this newsletter is our Easy- to- Read chart on vaccines we suggest for all adult horses. Free feel to print out a copy of this chart by clicking on this link: EZ Vaccine Chart 

 

Important things to remember about vaccinations:
 

JOINT INJECTIONS should not be performed within 2 weeks of vaccination as steroids prevent the immune system from mounting a protective response to vaccines.

 

TRAILERING for four or more hours should be avoided within 2 weeks of vaccination due to increased risk of shipping fever. 


EXERCISE is OK on the day of vaccination and very light work or rest for 1-2 days following vaccinations. Those horses receiving all vaccines in one visit should be given 3-4 days off from exercise. 


BUTE, BANAMINE, and PREVICOX should not be administered after vaccination or within 1 week of vaccination, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. These drugs will decrease the effectiveness of the vaccines.


COMPLICATIONS: rarely, horses will develop localized muscle soreness or mild fever after vaccination and these often resolve quickly. 

Is it Too Cold to Ride?
 
This timely article is in response to a question asked by Rita McConnon of Acton, MA. Please send your questions to be answered in future newsletters!

      So it has been asked of us: "When is it too cold to ride?" The answer is, of course, that it's different for every horse and rider but here are some useful guidelines.
      Horses have evolved to be far more adaptable to temperature extremes than humans. The way blood circulates in a horse's lower legs allows it to stand in deep snow without risk of frostbite. The complex equine respiratory system is able to warm and hydrate even subzero dry air by the time it reaches the lungs due to the large sinus cavities in the horse's head. While the horse has many adaptations to the cold, riders must keep in mind the effect of the cold weather on the horse's muscles and the prevention of hypothermia that may develop after exercise.
       The most important consideration in winter riding is the time you spend warming up and cooling down. This should be double or triple what it would be in ideal conditions: If you normally take 10 minutes to walk and trot before putting your horse together for more intense work, you should take 20-30 minutes of warm up and the same for cooling out in below freezing conditions. Using a quarter sheet is also helpful to keep your horse's lower back and gluteal muscles warm during a cold weather ride. A horse that becomes sweaty during the winter is at risk for hypothermia after work because the now damp coat has lost its ability to insulate the horse against the cold. If your horse has worked up a sweat, you must make sure they are dry and their coat is clean of sweat marks before putting their blankets back on and sending them back to the paddock.  If your horse is in regular work in the winter consider a trace clip or full body clip as this will allow your horse to dry more quickly after work but make sure you blanket these horses more heavily if you take away their coat!   In cold weather horses lose heat and water in their steamy breath.  Be aware that your horse may be very thirsty following work but should not be allowed to guzzle cold water due to the risk of causing colic.   As always, every horse is different and you can do your horse the eternal favor of getting to know what works best for them.
      Don't forget that riding is a partnership and you need to look out for human health and comfort too!  Because riding relies heavily on the legs and seat, it is easy for extremities to get cold even while you are working hard.  This is especially important to children's lesson programs.  Many children never seem to get cold no matter how snowy and frigid it is, but please consider that tiny hands and feet can get cold very fast and the chill can predispose them to frostbite.
      If you are the rider, remember the most important thing about horses and riding is that it should be fun! So if the idea riding with 20 layers isn't appealing, grab your skis or stay in with a good book after you make sure your horse has dry blankets, plenty of hay, and unfrozen water. If you decide to ride, bundle up, lengthen your warm up, consider a quarter sheet, and go for a hack. Try group rides to keep your motivation and spirits up or spend the winter downtime going back to basics to improve your own strength and equitation.  
Click here
to check out a article about horses and Frostbite
In This Issue
Stay Connected

Straight from the Horse's Mouth!
Next month learn more about how important preventative care of your horse's mouth is to a long, healthy life!  We have all the tools and knowledge to make sure your horse keeps his chompers in peak condition.  

One more month to save!
ACT FAST!  Febuary is already here and it's our last month offering your horse's first Acupunture assesment for FREE.  This great deal ends February 28 so call, text, or send a request through the app for your appointment today!
Technology
=
  Communication
We would like you to be able to contact us what ever way is most convenient for you.  
You can  call and speak to Kari- if you need to speak with Dr. Nostrant or Dr. Harrison she take your message and forward it to the doctor. 
After hours, our emergency service will insure the Doctor on call is in quickly touch with you anytime of night, holiday or weekends.  
Our app  is a great way to request an appointment or ask for a refill on medication for your horse.  We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Number One Priority is 
YOU 
and your  HORSE  
  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
If  you have an emergency call us immediately at  (978) 337-1260 .
Never Stop Learning
Recently, Dr. Nostrant attended the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) National Convention in Nashville and returned with cutting edge new information and techniques for treating lameness, eye issues, and many other topics. Both doctors will be attending the MVMA ( Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association) meeting this February to learn about new techniques in treating back pain, foot pain, and using ultrasound to monitor rehabilitation from injuries. Dr Nostrant and Dr Harrison look forward to putting all their new skills and knowledge to use in benefiting all our clients and patients. Ask them what they have learned lately!
Vaccine Guidelines for 2014

 

Vaccine

Disease

Disease Description

Vaccine Frequency

Rabies/PHF*

 

Rabies*

Rabies is neurologic virus spread by the bite of an infected animal.  There is no cure and the disease and infected horses can in turn infect any other mammal.

Annually

 

Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)

 

Due to recent increase in PHF infections we are recommending all horses receive this vaccine.

Potomac Horse Fever is a bacterial infection spread by dragonflies and related insects that are common in swampy areas.  It causes severe diarrhea and laminitis. With timely treatment horses can make a full recovery.  Vaccination is not 100% effective in preventing the disease but can reduce severity of the disease.

Every 6 months

 

EWT/WNV*

Eastern & Western Equine Encephalitis (EW)* & West Nile Virus (WNV)*

Equine Encephalitis & West Nile Virus are neurologic viruses which spread to horses by mosquitos.  These diseases are usually fatal. The diseases cannot be spread from horses to horse.

Every 6 months throughout mosquito season

 

Tetanus (T)*

Tetanus is caused by the toxin of a soil bacteria that most often infects horses through puncture wounds or lacerations.  It causes complete paralysis, including the heart.  If caught in early stages tetanus can be treated, but treatment is extremely expensive.

Annually, booster if puncture wound or laceration

Flu/Rhino

Equine Influenza & Rhinopneumonitis

 

Recommended for horses showing, traveling, or with high exposure to other horses

Equine Influenza & Rhinopneumonitis are viral infections of the respiratory tract.  While rarely fatal they are extremely contagious and spread rapidly through barns and show grounds.

Every 6 months

*Essential vaccines recommended for all horses

 

Vaccination for strangles, botulism, and other diseases are available. Please discuss with our veterinarians if these vaccines are recommended for your horse.
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North Bridge Equine Associates | | [email protected] | 1487 Monument St
Concord, MA 01742


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