vaccinations

[Chris Paus <paus@micoks.net>]

I had a scare with our pony this weekend that made me realize you really
need to plan ahead.

I gave all the horses their vaccinations for sleeping sickness, tetanus,
flu and rhino. Star and Cisco were fine. Honey developed a stiff neck, so
bad that this normaly sweet, tractable mare, became a nightmare. She reared
and fought to keep us from touching her, she was so sensitive. She has
NEVER behaved like this before, always being kind and usually reasonable.
So I knew she was in a lot of pain.

It has been 4 days, and she is getting back to normal now, but it made me
think -- if it had been Star who had this reaction, I might not be able to
do the Cougar Prowl this weekend! 

Lesson from the newly wise -- give your horse ample time between
vaccinations and competition!

BTW, I got this vaccine from the vets I don't always use for horses. I
called the horse vet out for a chiro adjustment on STar today and he said
he recommends not giving flu adn rhino shots because they do cause a lot of
reactions and he said he can't justify their expense for the amount of
protection they offer.

What do you think Heidi??

chris paus & equines