Annette
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> From: lindavan.eqath@juno.com
> To: Ridecamp@endurance.net
> Cc: thomlabs@netbistro.com
> Subject: "G & J Thom" <thomlabs@netbistro.com>: Vaccinations
> Date: Tuesday, May 06, 1997 10:26 PM
>
> Julia
>
wrote-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
> >I was wondering if anyone could suggest an easy way
> to vaccinate my gelding. He is terrified of needles and he
> is due for his 4-way, Rhino and PHF which means 3 needles.>
>
> Hi Julia,
>
> I've had this problem before. Here's how I solved it. Make sure you
> have a big slot of time. Could take up to 2 hours if you are in a
> stabling situation, or you can do 15 minute sessions each day for three
> days or so.
>
> Essentially you desensitize the horse to needles. Get a syringe and
> needle with the cap on & horse cookies. Can be the vaccine or just an
> empty one to use as a dummy. Catch the horse and hold him in your left
> hand (if you are right handed). With the dummy in your right hand, and
> the cap on, stroke his neck. Then once he stands still for the
> stroking, tap him with the capped needle, just like you were sticking
> the needle in. If he freaks out, start over with the stroking, then
> tap. Once he accepts the tap, then, tap several times in a row until he
> accepts that. Then, pet him and give him a horse cookie and turn him
> loose. No cookies until the very end of this process.
>
> Repeat this process every 20 minutes (or once a day over several days)
> until he accepts the tapping with no apprehension several time. Then,
> when you are ready for the shot. Take some time with the petting and
> tapping at first. Then give him the shot. Make sure your needle is
> brand new and sharp because he will be less likely to feel it.
>
> Works for me. Hope it works for you. Post me if you have questions.
>
> Linda VanCeylon & crew
> Buhni, Sunny, Rabbit, & Fiddler
> lindavan.eqath@juno.com
>
>