WHO’S WHO…

BEHind the scenes with THE BLUE RIDGE Equine Team

Dr Nancy Hall: Co-owner of Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates and head of the Equine Division, Dr. Hall has been practicing in the local area for over 20 years. Many of her clients comment on how they knew Dr. Hall back when Blue Ridge Veterinary was no more than her pick-up truck. She admits that it has been personally rewarding that the same clients are still in her practice family. When not on the road making farm calls, Dr. Hall also attends to our small animal patients in the hospital.

Dr. Jay Joyce: Trained with the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg,and graduated from UC Davis Veterinary school. Dr. Joyce began at Blue Ridge in September 2004. Prior to his career change to veterinary medicine, he was on active-duty in the Navy for nearly 10 years. His primary interests include lameness, surgery and preventative medicine. He also enjoys floating teeth and is available for routine and emergency dental work. Dr. Joyce is available for appointments Monday through Friday and every other Saturday.

Equine Office Team:

Dara Lindsay

Gail Shifflet

Tonya Wood

Fawn Staubs

Beth Psimas

Monica Cancelliere

Carla Pickett

VACCINATIONS

There are many different vaccine schedules for many different types of horses. A “standard” vaccination program does not exist. Pregnant mares and newborn foals, for instance, need different schedules than the average adult horse. Some factors to consider when choosing a vaccine include the consequences of the disease, risk, exposure, cost, age, environment, efficacy, and adverse effects. Generally, the first time a patient receives a vaccine, the initial series will include 2-3 shots, 3-6 weeks apart, to achieve adequate protection.

Average, non-pregnant, adult:

Potomac Horse Fever biannual (spring and fall)

Eastern and Western Encephalitis virus biannual (spring and fall)

Influenza virus (intramuscular/nasal) every 3-6 months **

Rhinopneumonitis (herpes) virus every 3-6 months

Tetanus toxoid annual (spring)

West Nile Virus annual (spring)

Strangles (intranasal) annual (spring) optional

Rabies virus annual (spring)

Botulism toxoid annual (fall*)

* recommend if fed round bales

** Note: Research indicates that the intranasal flu vaccine is effective for 6 months. This protocol would eliminate the need for intramuscular flu shots every 3 months.

Pregnant Mare:

Rhinopneumonitis (herpes) virus at 5, 7, and 9 months gestation

Booster the following: at 10 months

Potomac Horse Fever

Eastern and Western Encephalitis

Tetanus

West Nile Virus (intramuscular)

Influenza (intramuscular)

Rabies

Strangles (intramuscular) optional

Botulism (optional but highly recommended) at 8, 9, and 10 months gestation

(Shaker Foal Syndrom & round bale risks)

It is not recommended to administer modified live vaccines to pregnant mares.

Newborn foals (from a vaccinated mare):

The schedule will be different if

the mare is not vaccinated

or if the vaccination history is unknown.

Potomac Horse Fever at 5-6 and 6-7 months

Eastern and Western Encephalitis at 4-6, 5-7, and 6-8 months

Tetanus at 6, 7, and 8 months

West Nile Virus at 4-6, 5-7, and 6-9 months

Influenza at 9 and 10 months

Rhinopneumonitis (herpes) virus at 4, 5, and 6 months

Strangles (intranasal) optional at 6-9 months and 3 weeks later

Rabies at 6 and 7 months

Botulism at 2-3 months, then 30 & 60 days later

Maternal antibodies are passed in colostrum and help to protect the foal in the few months after birth. These antibodies actually interfere with vaccines given to the foal before 4 months old. We generally measure the foal’s blood antibody level with an IgG blood test within 24 hours of birth.

It is expected that as a yearling in the first spring that vaccines are boosted.