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True vaccine reactions (such as anaphylaxis) are rare, but an “adverse effect,” such as a small swelling at the site of injection, transient fever, and inappetence, or soreness at the vaccination site are slightly more common. Adverse reactions are not always predictable and are inherent risks of vaccination. We recommend that horses not be vaccinated in the 2 weeks prior to shows, performance events, sales or domestic shipment. Most of these signs will resolve on their own in a day or two, but if you have questions or concerns please call us to discuss.  Core vs. Risk-Based Vaccinations:Core vaccines, which include Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE), West Nile virus (WNV), tetanus and rabies should be administered to all horses at least annually, following the initial series in foals or previously unvaccinated patients. Risk-based vaccines protect against a variety of diseases that can affect certain horses but are not necessarily a risk for all horses. Horses that travel and compete are at a higher risk of coming into contact with other horses and these pathogens. When horses are infected with these pathogens, they can develop clinical signs of respiratory disease such as lethargy, high fever, mucoid (mucousy) nasal discharge and coughing. Risk-based diseases include viral respiratory pathogens such as equine influenza (EIV) and equine herpesviruses-1 and -4 (EHV-1/4), also termed rhinopneumonitis. It is important to consider that performance horses are at a higher risk of exposure to viral respiratory pathogens. By implementing proper vaccination protocols, as well as good biosecurity measures, the risk of disease is lowered. Affected horses can be out of training for a few days up to a month or more, so in these cases, prevention is truly the best medicine.
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What is veterinary chiropractic care? Animal chiropractic focuses on the health and well-being of the neuromuscular and skeletal system. The goal is to restore normal function to the skeletal system and therefore restore normal function to all of the tissues surrounding the vertebrae. Think of the brain and spinal cord as the major highway of information in the body- these structures need to send and receive information from all parts of the body. These “highways” function in both directions. For example, a sensory nerve will send information from the hand to the brain saying “ouch, that is hot;” The brain translates this information and gives it to a motor nerve, which then actions to move the hand away from the hot object.  Image: “Putting It All Together: The Nervous System and the Endocrine System”, section 3.4 from the book Beginning Psychology Between any two bones (including vertebrae in the spine) there is a joint and if this joint becomes dysfunctional, these signals to and from the central nervous system can become impaired. Some signs of localized dysfunction are subtle, such as muscle tightness or tenderness, and others can be very severe, such as obvious pain, lameness, muscle wasting, and even organ dysfunction. Who can benefit and how do I know if my horse needs a chiropractic evaluation?Horses of all types can benefit from chiropractic care. Regular chiropractic care can find and treat issues that may not be leading to overt lameness, and can also prevent certain chronic problems from muscle imbalances, overuse or trauma.
Chiropractic is not meant to replace traditional veterinary medicine. In fact, it is a complement to the systemic well being of the animal by restoring normal neuromuscular function and encouraging correct movement and posture. What should I expect during a chiropractic evaluation?At the initial visit, Dr. Cara Wright will gather history about the horse and its daily routine and job, as well as prior diagnosis and treatments. Next comes observing the horse in motion (in hand, on a lunge, and sometimes under saddle depending on the specific complaint). Dr. Wright will then palpate the joints throughout the horse’s back, neck, and limbs to determine how each one is moving. Once restricted joint motion is found, a very precise motion (an adjustment) is applied to encourage the joint to return to normal mobility. Many horses begin to relax, with droopy eyelids, loose lips, relaxing breaths, and licking and chewing once they begin to feel the effects of treatment. Horses are not sedated for chiropractic treatments. After treatment, Dr. Wright likes the horse to be hand walked for 5-10 minutes so the body can get used to the “correct” neuromuscular signals flowing through the horse’s body. Who is my veterinary chiropractor?
 The IVCA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of Veterinary Chiropractic, which has established consistently high standards of Veterinary Chiropractic through approved educational courses, certification examinations and the membership code of conduct and standard of proficiency. (adapted from the IVCA website www.ivca.de)
Chiropractic is another tool to be used in conjunction with traditional veterinary medicine to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions in our equine companions. |
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