Keystone Equine Associates, P.A.
Equine Deworming Protocol:
The most commonly utilized is that of alternating oral dewormers. Our practice recommends that these products be alternated on a seasonal basis, therefore, a single product may be administered two to three times consecutively. Recommendations for deworming in this manner would be:
Summer (May - August)
Strongid (pyrantel pamoate)
Repeat every 6 - 8 weeks
Fall Season (Sept. - Dec.)
*Equvalan (ivermectin) OR Quest (milbimycin)
Repeat every 6 - 8 weeks OR every 8 - 10 weeks (Quest)
Spring Season (Jan. - April)
Anthelcide (oxybendizole) and **Panacur Powerpac (fendbendezale)
Give daily for 5 days (Panacur)
*Both ivermectin and milbimycin are combined with praziquantel (Equimax and Quest Plus, respectively) for the elimination of equine tapeworms. Ensure that you include one of these in your fall deworming program.
**Note: Panacur Powerpac is the only known protocol for eliminating small strongyles (cyathostomes) at the developed larval stage. At this stage, these parasites are larvae and dwell within the small intestinal wall when active or migrating and can create recurrent bouts of colic, loss of appetite, diarrhea and unthriftiness (failure to thrive). This product should be used on an annual basis in order to avoid a highly potential economic loss (colic surgery, etc.). The Powerpacs are available through our practice.
A less common, but effective, protocol for deworming is the daily dewormer. These products are pelleted and added to the feed on a daily basis. The most popular brand is Strongid C2X developed by Pfizer. Administration of this product is on a daily basis in conjunction with Equimax (ivermectin/praziquantel) every six (6) months. Our practice feels that this protocol is beneficial for breeding and other highly populated horse farms where horses aged 2 years and under are housed. These products are also available through our practice.
Pfizer has established a program called Preventi-Care, which provides for up to $5,000.00 towards any colic surgery as long as the patient is a regular and current Preventi-Care program participant. For more details, go to www.Pfizerah.com or ask us to mail you an informative brochure.
The basic vaccination of your horse is both safe and effective against the risk of severe disease and should be administered in order to avoid potentially devastating results. Vaccines are backed by extensive research in order to protect the horse from severe illness and/or possible death.
Protocols can vary due to exposure risk, immune competence of the horse and your geographical location. Keep in mind, the suggestions in the table below are based upon the endemic mosquito-borne diseases of our region.
The following vaccines are recommended by the American Association of Equine Practitioners as well as by our practice for adult horses in the Tampa Bay area:
| Vaccination | Questionable or Unvaccinated Status | Protocol |
| Tetanus | 2 doses, 4 - 6 weeks apart | Annual booster |
| Eastern/Western/Eastern Equine Encephalitis | 2 doses, 4 - 6 weeks apart/boost in 6 mos. | Every 6 mos. |
| West Nile Virus | 2 doses, 4 - 6 weeks apart/boost in 6 mos. | Every 6 mos. (one dose during June - Aug.) |
| Influenza | 2 doses, 4 - 6 weeks apart/boost in 3 - 6 mos. | Every 4 mos. (high exposure), every 6 mos. (low exposure) |
| EHV (Rhino) | 3 doses, 4 - 6 weeks apart | Every 4 mos. (high exposure), every 6 mos. |
| Rabies | Single dose annually | |
| Strangles | Intranasal - 2 doses, 3 wks. apart | Annual booster |
The vaccination of foals should ensue at three months of age. For other risk-based, vaccination protocols (e.g. pregnant mares) not referred to above, please go to www.aaep.net
"May 1st marks the traditional beginning of the mosquito season in our area, but the season is actually year round..." - Hillsborough County's Director of Mosquito Control, Carlos Fernandes, Ph.D.
Dentistry:
The typical middle-aged horse should require a thorough floating of his teeth approximately every eighteen months. However, generally speaking, younger and older horses' teeth may require dentistry more frequently. Routine dental care is critical in performance (e.g. lead changes and ease of bitting) as well as maximizing nutritional intake. An average procedure takes approximately one hour and requires light sedation.
Normals:
*Temperature - 99 - 101 degrees F. - rectally with a thermometer
*Heart Rate - 30 - 40 beats per minute - check pulse or listen to heart with a stethescope
*Respiratory Rate - 10 - 15 per minute - merely watch him breathe
*Gum Color - should be light pink
*Capillary Refill Time (CRT) - 1 - 3 seconds - the time it takes for gums to "repink" after pressure is applied
Foaling:
There are three stages of foaling:
1) The mare is off feed, restless and lying down/getting up (up to 7 hours duration)
2) Cervical dilation, amniotic fluid rupture and subsequent birth (15 - 30 minutes)
3) Expulsion of the placenta (up to 3 hours)
The Foal:
*Once the foal is up and standing, encourage nursing from mare
*Dip the umbilicus with 1% iodine solution
*Administer enema
The foal should be examined by the veterinarian a minimum of 8 hours after the onset of nursing. In the event that the foaling is not "textbook" or any uncertainties exist, always consult with us. A foal exam will include but not be limited to, a general examination with an oral exam, ophthalmic exam, IgG (antibody) test, tetanus antitoxin and a placental exam.
The Mare:
*Check her vulva for tears
*Note if there is any excessive bleeding
*Check for milk production
*Save placenta in a cooler for examination by the veterinarian
Signs of Colic:
How do I know if my horse is exhibiting signs of colic? Here are a few things to look for:
*Unwillingness to eat at scheduled feeding
*Restlessness/sweating
*Biting and/or looking at side
*Pawing
*A desire to repeatedly lie down and/or roll
*Gums that are not pink (signifying pain/shock)
This is considered an emergency - Please call us for a clear evaluation of your horse's specific circumstances
General Nutrition:
(Coming soon!)
Recommended farriers: Pete Buchanan - 813.690.3860 Bob Dorr - 813.294.2677 Emmett Stevens - 352.518.9324
Tim Kent - 727.560.6095
Kenny Mead - 727.534.0855 (Hudson area)
Travis Myers - 813.299.7614
Kent Nauert - 727.786.9312
Kelly Young - Quality Horseshoeing - 352.596.8630
Jim Zimmerman - 813.920.8223 or 813.833.3385
Photos by Kathypix.com
