Re: Re:Mule vaccinations

["Archipelago Farm" <arcofarm@gulftel.com>]

I will try not to go into great detail here... I apologize if this is off
topic.  In brief, this problem can be solved with knowledgeable use of a one
legged hobble.  Placed on a front leg -  I have rehabilitated needle shy
mules in this fashion.   Dr. R.M. Miller (well noted equine behaviorist -
known especially for his imprint training book and video) has a new video on
horse behavior("Understanding Horses") and demonstrates use of the one
legged hobble on a needle shy horse.  You and your mule would greatly
benefit from this video.  I have used the one legged hobble on many, many
horses and mules and have never had any sort of injury - to myself or the
animal.....
Cindy (Why do so many people ride horses?)
Rudy (Kickin' horse and takin' names!)
Calaloo (Why are everybody else's ears so short?)
Meg (Where are the sheep?)
Spec(Where's Meg)
-----Original Message-----
From: Keith and Anna <desautels@cnetco.com>
To: ride camp <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Date: Wednesday, December 01, 1999 10:00 PM
Subject: RC: Re:Mule vaccinations


>In response to all this my mule will handle almost anything but a
>vaccination. I have had this mule for 6 years and go through this each time
>we need to renew vaccinations.  God forbid that something should happen to
>her where daily shots are required.  As soon as she feels the needle she
>flips. There is murder in her. she will try to kill anything within reach.
>We have tried almost every thing in order to calm her down. She has been
lip
>twitched, tied firmly, drugged, vaccinated in the horse trailer, vaccinated
>in stocks, Blindfolded. etc. Food does not work as a distraction in this
>case.   We have tried various doses of all tranquilizers and combinations,
>The last time she was vaccinated last spring, We gave her a tranquilizer
>while she was still in the trailer, Had to use a pole syringe to get close
>enough to her.  We then took her out of the trailer, put a second halter on
>her and put her in the vets stocks.  We tied her head down to the lowest
>rung of the stocks. She still reared, kicked slung her head etc.  This mule
>is not safe to be near if you want to vaccinate. I am looking of some way
to
>keep me and the vet safe while we try to vaccinate.
>
>Anna and Keith and all our critters in New Mexico
>(horses) Hobo(the old man) Shy Ann (the Mule)
>Lizzy (momma) and Lightning (baby)
>(Basenjis) Lady Queen of the house, and
>her two sons George and Iceman and finally
>Lilly (the prairie dog)
>visit my website at
>http://www.shyann.friendpages.com
>
>
>> With all due respect to Mr. Butler, all ear-twitching a mule does is make
>it
>> headshy.   I haven't had problems dealing with my mule but have known
some
>> donkeys that are very good at using their body mass and superior strength
>to
>> turn any vaccination time into a real wrestling match.  What worked best
>for
>> me was tying the donkey to a secure, safe line and covering her eye so
she
>> couldn't see the vet standing beside her.  Eventually, we could do away
>with
>> tying and just cover her eye.
>
>
>
>
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=