Equine Vet in Powys 

We have an equine vet on site for all types of routine and emergency visits, with a keen interest in dentistry, reproduction, and lameness work-ups. Ddole Road Veterinary Clinic are available by emergency callout, and offer the following for horses:

• Routine consultations
• Lameness examinations
• Vaccinations
• Dental work

We are happy to discuss any equine queries with you - register with us today.

Equine Vaccinations

For horses living in the UK, there are two vaccinations which are most important: influenza and tetanus. The animal receives an initial primary course, followed by annual boosters. Vaccines must be administered by a qualified veterinary surgeon who signs and records the relevant information in the animal’s passport.

Performance animals competing in disciplines such as racing, eventing, and other such affiliated events often require a full vaccination history. Many stud farms are now developing stricter vaccination policies and require boarding mares to be fully vaccinated.

Equine Influenza

Like the human influenza virus, equine influenza is highly contagious, and can be transmitted with ease between horses that come into contact with infected animals. Viral particles can also be transmitted to an animal via contaminated air or other environmental factors. The symptoms of influenza include:

• An increase in the horse’s temperature of up to 41?C
• A harsh dry cough is which can last for a number of weeks
• Nasal discharge with a consistency that ranges from clear to thick green or yellow
• Lethargy and a reluctance to work
• Reluctance to eat

Outbreaks of influenza most commonly occur when large numbers of unvaccinated animals are brought into contact with each other in stressful environments such as horse markets and shows.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a deadly disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is found in soil and horses faeces. It gains entry to the animal via and open wound however large or small or via the gastrointestinal tract. It can take up to 21 days to incubate before the disease is diagnosed. The bacterium releases a toxin which attacks the nerves controlling the muscles of the body. Clinical signs of tetanus include:

• A worsening muscular spasm and stiffness
• Inability to move or eat
• The animal’s third eye lid becoming more prominent.
• The tail head can become stiff and be held horizontally away from the animal’s body
• Stimulus involving the animal’s sight, hearing and touch may cause the animal to become startled
• In advanced cases the animal can collapse with spasms and convulsions followed by death

Tetanus is easily avoided by vaccinating your animal to avoid confirmed cases which commonly occur. A primary course is provided by two vaccines approximately four to six weeks apart, followed by two yearly boosters. Foals should be protected by some degree of immunity if the dam’s vaccination status has been maintained and a vaccination programme can begin at approximately four to five months of age.

If your animal does contract Tetanus, the disease can be treated if caught in the very early stages at an equine referral centre with around-the-clock intensive care. However, in most cases the chances of recovery are extremely poor and the animal is often euthanised on humane grounds.