Vaccination is the core of Kessock Equine Vets preventative healthcare service. Not only does vaccination offer protection against debilitating and potentially fatal diseases, it also provides the opportunity for your horse to receive a veterinary examination and for you to discuss all aspects of your horses health and welfare on an annual basis.

Vaccines are available to protect your horse against three major diseases;

Tetanus.

It is essential to vaccinate all your horses against tetanus, a disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin produced by a soil borne bacterium called Clostridium tetani. Tetanus is fatal and can develop in any unvaccinated horse or foal if a wound becomes infected with this bacterium which lives in the soil. Tetanus vaccination is very effective and involves two injections 4 – 6 weeks apart with the first booster after one year and subsequent boosters every two years.

Equine Influenza

This is a common viral respiratory infection in the horse, causing upper and lower airway disease with severe coughing. Affected horses usually require a significant period of recuperation and may also develop respiratory allergies following recovery. Vaccination against equine influenza is a requirement for competition under most society rules. Two injections 4 – 6 weeks apart, with the first booster 5-7 months after the second injection and subsequent boosters within 365 days are required. The FEI now requires booster vaccinations every 6 months. Tetanus and influenza injections can be combined in a single injection.

We do send booster reminders but please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that your horse is vaccinated within the required times.

Equine Herpes Virus 1,4

Equine herpes virus (EHV) causes respiratory disease and is very common in horses. Brood mare are very susceptible and EHV can cause abortion in pregnant mares – vaccination at the 5th, 7th and 9th month of pregnancy is recommended. This disease can also cause progressive paralysis.

Other diseases

There are also vaccinations available for rotavirus - a disease that causes diarrhoea in foals and equine viral arteritis – a serious and exotic disease, which is not present in the UK at the current time. Remember, you can take advantage of our free zone visit scheme for any vaccinations. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us, anytime

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