One of the great benefits of a boarding facility like Back Bay Farm are the routine vet services that are arranged for your horse. Ever wondered what is included in that list? Back Bay Farm has our regular vet, Parrott Equine Services, conduct the following annual services every year.
Winter:
Lyme Bloodwork: This test checks for Bb Bacteria and or/ antibodies to that bacteria. If present, the horse needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Fecal Egg Count: This test measures the number of Strongyle eggs your horse is passing in each gram of manure. If eggs are present we deworm as recommended.
Coggins test: This checks for Equine Infections Anemia antibodies in your horses’ blood and is required for horses to travel across state lines. Most horse shows require a current negative Coggins.
Spring:
Strangles Vaccine: Strangles is a bacteria that infects the lymph nodes and causes fever, discharge, and a strange coughing (where the name Strangles comes from). The vaccine is given through the nose.
Flu-Rhino Vaccine: Flu and Rhino are viruses that can be transmitted from horse to horse so we vaccinate due to showing and travel.
Rabies Vaccine: As we all know there is no cure for Rabies and as it is transmitted through bats, skunks, and raccoons, we vaccinate annually.
Potomac Horse Vaccine: This was a regional bacteria that has spread quite widely and contracted through the ingestion of mayflies and other insects. The vaccine prevents illness.
West Nile/Tetanus/Encephalitis Vaccine: This vaccine combines vaccines into one annual IM injection. Both West Nile and Encephalitis are carried by mosquitoes. Horses are very susceptible to tetanus, which is a bacteria present on many surfaces.
Fecal Egg Count: This test measures the number of Strongyle eggs your horse is passing in each gram of manure. If eggs are present we deworm as recommended.
Legend/ Adequan: All show horses are kept on a Legend and Adaquan program during the show season.
Summer:
Sheath Cleaning (Geldings only): We have our horses’ sheaths cleaned twice a year by a vet in order to avoid discomfort.
CBC/ Chemistry Profile: This is an annual blood test (Complete Blood Count) that checks that all levels of vitamins, minerals, platelets, and cells are good.
Fecal Egg Count: This test measures the number of Strongyle eggs your horse is passing in each gram of manure. If eggs are present we deworm as recommended.
Fall:
Flu-Rhino Vaccine: Flu and Rhino are viruses that can be transmitted from horse to horse so we vaccinate due to showing and travel.
Vitamin E Level /Selenium Level: These level checks and supplements are crucial for horses’ cellular regeneration and for preventing muscle disorders.
Fecal Egg Count: This test measures the number of Strongyle eggs your horse is passing in each gram of manure. If eggs are present we deworm as recommended.
By following this yearly schedule of vet basics we feel we can stay on top of our horses’ health and well-being. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!