Horse owners around the country are preparing for spring vaccinations.
While there is a guideline for which vaccinations should be administered (considered “core” vaccinations — those vaccines the American Association of Equine Practitioners consider imperative for a horse's wellbeing), there is no hard-and-fast rule on when a horse can return to work after vaccine administration.
Horses can have a variety of reactions to vaccines, which are often delivered intramuscularly, reports EQUUS magazine.
Most horses have no reaction to their shots. Those which do react often present with some swelling and soreness at the injection site that lasts for a few days.
Light exercise the day of vaccination administration and the day after can assist in making sore muscles feel better. A rider may notice a bit of stiffness, but most don't notice any difference at all.
After the first 48 hours, a horse can return to his normal work schedule.
However, if a vaccinated horse has a significant reaction–which might include symptoms like fever, extreme swelling, or considerable stiffness–it is recommended to talk to the horse's veterinarian before it returns to work.
Dr. Melinda Feckleton of Firestar Veterinary Services recommends that after vaccinations, a rider should not increase the horse's workload, not exercise the horse if the weather is overly hot or cold, and refrain from riding if the horse is running a fever.
Read more at EQUUS magazine.
The post Common Sense: Returning To Riding After Vaccination Administration appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
