December 2005

Vaccines: Minimize Reactions

The growing trend of avoiding vaccines for fear of reactions is worrisome. Learn to reduce risks.

Vaccinate your horse at a time you won’t be taking him to a competition.

There’s no question that vaccinations can be literally life-saving, and most horses sail right through the process without problems. But vaccine reactions do occur.

The usual, and least serious, reactions are similar to what you yourself may experience after a vaccination. Fatigue, low-grade fever and local soreness at the injection site are common in the first few days to a week or so afterward. Horses may also go off feed for a while. These are symptoms of the immune system responding to the vaccine. No specific treatment is usually required, although you may opt for a dose or two of phenylbutazone or flunixin (Banamine). …