Health Care & Immunizations
Health care
Normal health care management should be followed with the pregnant mare
(dental care, hoof care, immunizations).
If the mare is prone to pneumovagina ("windwucking", leads to endometritis or uterine infection), a Caslick's closure may be performed to partially suture the labia. The vulvar lips must be opened prior to foaling to prevent tearing the vulva.
Immunizations
Foals are vulnerable to disease and infection. Because of their immature
immune system, vaccines are not effective in young foals. Passive immunity
is achieved by the transferred of antibodies from the mare to the foal
via colostrum. The broodmare should be vaccinated 4-6 weeks before predicted
foaling date so that the mare will have increased antibody level in the
colostrum. Mares should be moved the the facility where foaling will occur
so that she will have time to produce antibodies against the endemic bacteria
and viruses of the facility and become familiar with the routine (decrease
stress).
The table below lists the recomendations of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Your veterinarian should be consulted to tailor the program to your individual mare.
| Disease/vaccine |
Broodmares |
| Tetanus toxoid | Annual 4-6 weeks before foaling |
| Encephalomyelitis (EEE, WEE, VEE) | Annual 4-6 weeks before foaling |
| Influenza:Inactivated injectable |
Annual |
| Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4) |
Vaccinate mares before breeding, 5th, 7th and 9th month of gestation and 4-6 weeks before foaling |
| Strangles* |
Semi-annual with 1 dose of inactivated M-protein vaccine 4-6 weeks before foaling. |
| Rabies | Annual, before breeding |
| Potomic Horse Fever* |
Semi-Annual with one dose 4-6 weeks before foaling |
| Botulism* |
Initial: 3-dose series at 30 day intervals with last
dose 4-6 weeks before foaling Thereafter: annually, 4-6 weeks before foaling |
| Equine Viral Arteritis* | Annual for seronegative open mares before breeding to carrier stallion; isolate mare for 21 days after breeding to carrier stallion |
| Rotavirus A* | Vaccinate mares at 8,9,10 months of gestation, each pregnancy. Passive transfer of colostral anibodies aid in prevention of rotaviral diarrhea in foals. |
Suggested vaccination provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and is based on generally accepted veterinary practices. *Endemic areas: consult with your veterinarian regarding the specific needs of your horse. |
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