Vaccinate on an individual basis

Special concern for small strongyles A new endectocide which has significant activity against the encysted cyathostome stage of small strongyles is on the horizon, according to Dr. Joseph DiPietro, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. "Clinical trials seem to support the theory that if small strongyles are killed in the encysted stage, egg reappearance time post treatment will be prolonged," he says. DiPietro also indicated that the same new drug decreases the potential reinfection of pastured horses after treatment longer than any other single-dose compounds. Fort Dodge is promoting the concept among horsemen and veterinarians that internal parasite concerns have not been eliminated by ivermectin, only shifted in emphasis. In a recent promotional piece they point out that until the mid-1980s, large strongyles infected more than 50 percent of all adult horses. The virtual elimination of large strongyles in the population has, by default, left small strongyles with the distinction of being the most common and economically devastating internal parasite of adult horses. Fort Dodge is unable to release the name of the new endectocide prior to FDA approval.

Vaccinate on an individual basis

Harmany Horse Gazette Vol. 6, No. 1, PO Box 8, Washington, VA 22747.

Veterinarians who specialize in the holistic approach to prevention and treatment of horse diseases emphasize that mass vaccinations may not be the best thing for every horse in the group. Dr. Joyce Harman points out in her newsletter to clients, "Vaccinations often have negative side effects and some immunologists cannot agree on how long vaccines last or how often they should be repeated. This year, we will be offering blood tests to see if your horse has long lasting immunity from previous vaccines. If there are strong titres, it may not be necessary to vaccinate as often, or with as many different vaccines at one time." Vaccine labels definitely say that we should only vaccinate healthy animals, yet frequently, for convenience we tend to vaccinate animals that are not completely healthy. If you are dealing with a problem that requires medication or are under holistic treatment for a problem, it may be best to wait a while before vaccinating."

Network chiropractic Network chiropractic is a very gentle form of chiropractic that releases tension in the spine and the muscles of the back before any adjustments take place. The covering of the spinal cord gets tension in it, causing tension in the muscles which leads to vertebrae getting tight and not moving correctly. The network adjustments are often called clearings because you are really keeping the nervous system clear of interference so that it can function at its best. When the nervous system feels good, the horse feels good and is able to function at its best.

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JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE