Vaccines
Split the vaccines into sessions to avoid Laminitis flares. |
After the Laminitis Conference in 2007, I spoke to several owners and veterinarians about Insulin Resistance and vaccine precautions needed for these horses. The exact mechanism is unknown, but these horses seem to be more prone to adverse vaccine reactions than the general population. I advise, and I will bet your doctor would agree, that splitting up vaccines into 2 or 3 sessions seems to avoid the problem and to consider a low dose of Banamine at each session (5cc per 1000 pounds). Do not give any Azium or Dexamethasone - they can cancel the vaccine. If needed, can also give an IV antihistamine.
* If your horse is the one in the barn that gets big hives, large swellings, or colic/sick year after year on vaccines, get tested for Insulin Resistance.
Avoid combo vaccines with 3, 4, or 5 items in one shot. These seem to provoke more problems in these horses. Try for just Tetanus, just Flu/Rhino, just West Nile Virus... and put them in different sites. Avoid putting Flu/Rhino and Rabies in the neck - go for the gluteal or chest on these vaccines.
