Our recommendation, is that all horses are routinely vaccinated against tetanus and strangles. Both of these diseases are reasonably common and both can be severe or fatal. When regular boosters are given, protection following vaccination is generally excellent and will prevent illness or at the very least, reduce the severity of clinical signs and/or the duration of illness.
Frequently asked questions
Your Hendra virus vaccination includes a basic exam with heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature and is often useful to pick up or discuss other issues with your horse. An unvaccinated horse may be refused emergency treatment or surgery if showing clinical signs of hendra virus, dental exam, scoping and stomach tubing. We also advise that anyone handling an unvaccinated horse that is sick should wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
The Hendra Virus (HeV) was first discovered in 1994 in the Brisbane district of Hendra. It is a lethal disease which can spread from horses to people. It is present in flying foxes and has clinically spread to horses (and has also spread to a dog from a horse). The virus has been transmitted from horses to humans. The virus can be transmitted from horse to horse, but has not been shown to spread from human to human at this stage. Infection appears to occur through contact with bodily fluids of an infected being.
SYMPTOMS OF POSSIBLE HENDRA VIRUS INFECTION (As stated by the Australian Veterinary Association):
Clinical signs of Hendra virus infection are varied, vague and similar to many common equine ailments that veterinarians encounter on a daily basis. The Queensland government’s Guidelines for veterinarians handling potential Hendra virus infection in horses states that Hendra virus infection should be considered if a horse may have had contact with flying foxes and any one or combination of the following signs are present:
- Acute Illness
- Increased temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Discomfort or shifting weight between legs
- Depression or rapid deterioration in health
Infected Horses with confirmed Hendra virus infection have also presented with respiratory, colic, or neurologic signs, weakness, inappetence or behaviour change.
Essentially this indicates that almost any unvaccinated sick horse with potential exposure to flying fox excretions, virus-contaminated objects or other horses may have a Hendra virus infection.
Equine herpesvirus (EHV) is both clinically and economically important worldwide. Currently there are nine different herpesviruses that are recognised (EHV-1 to EHV-9). However, the most significant types are EHV-1 and EHV-4.
The virus is endemic within the horse population in most countries throughout the world. EHV-1 is the most significant of the equine herpesviruses, as it is responsible for causing respiratory disease, abortion (including outbreaks), early neonatal death of foals and neurologic disease. However, EHV-4 is also associated with respiratory disease and, less commonly, abortion. In any given outbreak of EHV, clinical signs are usually limited to one manifestation of the disease.
EHV vaccines are particularly recommended in pregnant mares at 5,7 and 9 months to protect against abortion. This is especially important where pregnant mares are either going off property themselves or in contact with horses who are going off property.
This vaccine covers both tetanus and strangles. Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease and horses should be kept up to date by vaccination with a top up sometimes required after a wound.
Strangles is a very infectious disease that mostly presents as a high temperature, enlarged submandibular lymph nodes and nasal discharge. Luckily it is relatively uncommon here. Strangles vaccination may not completely protect the horse and must be done 6 monthly after 3 initial shots so discuss an appropriate protocol for your horse with your vet based on your risk of exposure.
A regular program of dentistry is essential for all ages of horse. Regular oral examination and dentistry will allow the detection and removal of sharp enamel points that develop due to continued eruption of equine teeth.
Regular examination will enable us to detect the early signs of abnormalities in the wear of cheek teeth, irregularities in eruption, decay and periodontal disease. We can also detect and correct problems with bitting, head carriage, performance and eating disorders. We use a modern, motorised 'Powerfloat' at the clinic to allow rapid and thorough completion of dentistry services.
We also now have an Oroscope which allows identification and imaging of many dental pathologies that are hard to see on routine examination. Early treatment is so important to minimise pain and discomfort for your horse, improve outcomes and try to avoid expensive specialist treatments. Horses must be up to date with their Hendra vaccinations to be eligible for dental exam or treatment.
Services include:
- Routine and stud breeding management
- Artificial insemination
- Pregnancy diagnosis
- Twin reduction
- Diagnostic workups of infertile mares
- Pregnant mare care
- Obstetrics
- Foaling management
We cannot stress enough that problems with the eye are one of those ailments which must be checked by a vet immediately.
If your horse’s eye/s show the following symptoms, we strongly urge you to call a vet as soon as possible:
- Weeping, tears that are clear
- Discharge of any other colour, or consistency
- Swelling of or around the eye
- Sensitivity to light or touch
- Blinking strangley, or keeping the eye closed
- White or other coloured spots/patches on the eye/cloudiness
- Lines or marks across the eye
- Bleeding from the eye
- Redness in or around the eye
- Constricted/odd-looking pupils
Eyes are a very delicate organ. Self medicating with what might seem like an innocuous cream can do more harm than good, and can result in the eye becoming infected or even rupturing. When the eye ruptures in many cases it has to be surgically removed.
To diagnose an eye complaint your vet would examine the eye with a light. They usually would then stain it with fluroscein to determine the severity and depth of the ulcer. If the vet fears that the ulcer is infected they make take a swab to culture.
Depending on the diagnosis and severity, your vet may treat with a number of prescription eye ointments, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and even in some severe cases, eye surgery. To try and avoid such a costly and stressful outcome, we always advise to get a vet at the first sign of a problem with the eye.
Eye problems can be one of the few true equine emergencies. Call immediately if the eye is even slightly closed or discoloured or has any discharge. Compare the 2 if needed to check what is normal although occasionally both eyes can be affected. If possible, put a fly veil on the horse to minimise pain from light sensitivity and protect the eye. Call your vet immediately before starting any treatment. Eye creams with cortisone especially can make many eye issues worse so should not be used without an examination. Early treatment of eyes is not only more successful but much cheaper. It can often involve quite frequent medication at first but this can avoid expensive ongoing treatment, surgery or poor outcomes.
Preventing lameness is far more effective than diagnosing and treating it. The hoof capsule is of paramount importance to the present and future soundness of the horse. Radiographs of your horses' feet can help your vet/farrier team minimise lameness by addressing hoof balance and issues before starting work or heading into times of higher work levels. The hind feet can be as important as the front so should be included in standard foot radiographs.