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Post by sherigraf on Jul 14, 2007 15:23:58 GMT -5
Many of you may already have made the connection between Uveitis and the weakening of the immune system after a full load of vaccines.
There are many things that can cause Uveitis and one of them is a weakened immune system.
Unfortunately, I am seeing first hand the possible damage that can be done by overloading the immune system.
I realize that there are many opinions about vaccinating as directed vs. as needed and I have no clue as to the best route, but I have a strong opinion on the practice of bundling the vacs into a one-shot deal.
After questioning the vet I decided to go ahead with a 4-way and the new west Nile vaccine. 10 days later I have a 22yo OTTB that is blind in one eye and have no idea if she will regain sight as the Uveitus clears.
Please consider spacing your shots to give your older horses a better chance to stay healthy.
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Post by lorsadoon on Jul 14, 2007 18:35:13 GMT -5
Thank you for the warning. I too agree that you should not combine vacinations. Especially with the West Nile. I also know of bad reaction to the combination, but unfortunatly it was worse, as the horse died.
Please go with your instincts. Do research. Error on the side of caution. Space your vaccines several months apart.
As far as I am concerned, you do not need yearly vaccines unless you travel alot. We as humans do not get vaccinated yearly, why should our animals? And think of how there are studies now suggesting that some of our childhood vaccines are causing autism and ADHD.
I hope your horse will not have permanatly damaged eyesight. Please keep us updated on its condition.
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Post by sherigraf on Jul 14, 2007 19:56:00 GMT -5
For those of you who remember Ruby she is the one struggling with this.
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Post by countrygirl on Jul 15, 2007 13:01:18 GMT -5
Sheri, I am so sorry to hear about Ruby. I always worry about combining vaccines and the vet always says, it is perfectly safe. I don't think so. I know I have heard that the new west nile vaccine, which is a live virus vaccine, has caused lots of problems. Thanks for the warning. I will never use it.
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Post by cwinterburn ( RIP) We love YOU on Jul 15, 2007 18:56:15 GMT -5
I know I'm swimming up stream here ... but I came to the same conclusion with WN as I did with Potomac Horse Fever ( the last big scare)- count up the number of horses in your state and look up the number of horses that have gotten WN- our state has had 3 horses -ever. One, where the horse clearly came into the state after it was exposed, one that came down with WN 10 days after vacination- with no other connection to the disease and one mystery .. ever. My horse has a better chance of being struck by lightening or having a power pole fall on it than WN- and for this, I should risk a questionable vaccine? I know that a horseowner who can count is the last thing the drug company wants , but for me the numbers just aren't there to take the risks.
I helped a friend try to save a foal that had problems after the mare was vaccinated for WN, while pregnant- they lost the foal, but later learned that the foal's difficulties were typical - of a mare that gets vaccinated while PG- no one told the owner the risk..I would never vaccinate a mare that might get bred.
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Post by sherigraf on Jul 15, 2007 19:09:11 GMT -5
The whole topic brings up an interesting point....this is the very same group, the pharmaceutical companies, that screw with our health on a regular basis. WHY would they be more likely to consider our horse's health in a higher regard? This is the same group that dryly state on the labels: This drug should not be used in horses intended for FOOD!!!! Definitely my BAAAAAAD for following along....  |
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Post by ebo on Jul 15, 2007 20:53:51 GMT -5
As usual this year, I'm giving only WNV (an active illness here) and tetanus. Separately. If I took my horses anyplace, I might do strangles, but only for the youngsters.
BTW--I am using the recombinant. So far, so good. I'll look at the figures at the end of the season to decide whether I'll repeat the WNV next year. We had one case so far this year in my immediate area--a youngster, in JUNE! The mosquitos that carry WNV are active usually only late in the summer.
Sorry about Ruby. I hope this is a passing problem.
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Post by lorsadoon on Jul 15, 2007 20:54:27 GMT -5
I know, sometimes I feel like we are one big experiment.
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Post by watermarkfarm on Jul 17, 2007 13:45:23 GMT -5
Lurker,
You are right! I have a 25 year old retired boarder here. His owner is big on shots and I convinced her to stop vaccinating him 2 years ago when he arrived. We don't even do WNV. His uveitis is totally stabilized. His owner said it always flared badly after spring shots ---- duh!!! Too bad he had to lose one eye before she figured this out!
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Post by shelberttk2 on Jul 18, 2007 12:46:18 GMT -5
Our geriatrics here are getting WNV and tetanus for now on, that's it....We used to do a 5 way and WNV. I decided since they are over the age of 18 they definitely do not need the RHINO, and the 5 way is a very 'HOT' shot. When you have many vaccines crammed into one shot, you are more likely to get site reactions. This is why our old ranch boys would walk around with breasts for several days....In our area, even a simple 3-way and WNV is good enough(If exposed--or chance of a neighboring infected fly coming onto the property)--and if there is a threat of them getting the flu, then a flu shot....I really think people are over vaccinating their animals (Even people).....
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Post by gratefulknits on Jul 18, 2007 15:31:51 GMT -5
I've had my girls fully vaccinated for all recommended illnesses, as I am operating on the assumption (big one, but who knows) that they never got anything before they went to the feedlot last year. But now that they've had all shots, and been fully boostered, I'm going along with the same idea that you all are coming up with: booster the biggie ie. tetanus, and I will continue WNV since we've had bird deaths here (and this week a confirmed human case). Otherwise, unless they come in contact with a horse that travels to shows (which at the moment they do over a paddock fence, but in future probably won't) I won't booster the other things.
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 18, 2007 19:58:13 GMT -5
I chose not to vaccinate this year - previous was required since I had been boarding, but a healthy horse that is not being exposed has little to no risk of coming down with Eastern or Wstern Enc. Rhino ect. i hvae read research stating that the antibodies for WNV after the vaccine have been shown to be present for up to 3 years after the initial vaccination and booster. Good enough for me - my horses had it last year  I DO vacinate for rabies as my horses may travel to southern oregon and on the ranch we have had a few bats and other animals who have had rabies. Sara in WA |
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Post by sherigraf on Jul 18, 2007 21:47:40 GMT -5
Yes, and it continues....Riley has been working on a rash. since he is a buckskin, the rash is black dots. I am so glad the vet is going to be here in the morning; she'll get to do the full rounds. Grand rounds as it were. <;-)
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Post by lorsadoon on Jul 21, 2007 20:31:49 GMT -5
How are your horses doing now? I hope things are clearing up and getting better.
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