I decided to vaccinate Daltrey against strangles because of new horses coming and going at the farm. I remember when I first met Heather and her family, they had a bout with strangles and it wasn't pretty or fun. The horses were miserable and everything had to be scrubbed with bleach. Jaz had it when he was a baby, and they build immunity, so no vaccine needed for him. Daltrey was feeling a bit under the weather immediately after the injection, but he seems to have completely recovered today.
Although it's still warm, the weather is pleasant enough to finally remind me of why I love Texas. This is by far the most gorgeous time of year. Today temps were in the 80s with a light breeze and nary a cloud in sight — a perfect day to ride.
After my totally boring (but good) ride on Jaz today, I brought Daltrey out for some patience lessons. I tied him, groomed him, picked all 4 feet, washed his face, etc. I took him in the arena and led him over the ground poles, around the barrels. We practiced walk, whoa and back. I brought him up alongside the mounting block, stood above him and leaned over him. He did well, but he's still very much a baby. He likes to chew on the lead rope and starts getting impatient after a few minutes of doing anything. Can you believe he's already 19 months old? It's gone by so fast!
Not much else going on with me or mine. Heather and Jae are on an adventure picking up a black Percheron mare. Last I heard, they had already blown 2 tires on the trailer. It may be a very long day for them. Oh well, it's good blog fodder.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
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10 comments:
Poor Daltrey. Vaccines are no fun. I get the Strangles vax for my horses ever year because my vet told me that no horse is immune for life, even if they have been exposed to Strangles as a baby. Apparently, immunity to the disease will decrease over time.
I'm glad you were able to enjoy a ride in some beautiful weather. Let's hope it lasts a long time :)
~Lisa
Hmm. I had not heard that immunity decreases over time. Perhaps I should ask that pointed question, because if anyone is going to defy the odss, it will be Jaz.
All in all, sounds like a good day!
You have some beautiful weather goin' on there. It's cold and overcast here.
Bummer about the tires. I hate breaking down with a trailer. It feels way more complicated.
Smokey likes to attempt to walk himself. A bit of brilliance, I like to think...
We do the intranasel strangles every spring--that's the "straw up the nose" vaccine, no fun.
I'm pretty sure Fee had strangles as a foal, but I don't mess around: strangles is way too easy to catch and it's a mess to cope with once it's on the property.
Sounds like you are really enjoying your Texas 'fall'!
Hope you get some more rides in and have some good fun with Daltrey.
Have you swung the leg over yet?
I give strangles booster every year for two reasons - 1. I board and 2. I show Lord knows what my poor equine kids are exposed to!
The gal at the vet didn't even offer me the intranasal, but I'll know next time to ask for it, and I will prolly give it to Jaz as well.
Yes, Aarene, it is truly a mess to deal with if it's on the property.
It's nice when things are just a-okay. Glad it's that way with you. :)
The injectable vaccine we get from Dr. G is specific to the area. I like it, even thought it's a bit tricky (you know, strangles shots and all that) but it really does work. That's why the offer it rather then the intranasal version.
Now, if I'm moving around, I prefer the intranasal vaccine though. It covers a broader set of strangles strains.
Since Jaz got his case of strangles at a boarding barn next door to a repro clinic (many MANY ET mares) and his case was pretty severe, and due to his age and lack of motion, I've always been told not to worry about vaccinating him unless HE (and his brother Boo, who also got it) is moving out of the area. But, it's a good thing to ask a vet!
Anyways, the trip really wasn't that bad all things considered. The tires blew before we had a horse in it. The mare loaded like a dream, and rode even better, and I got home, and had a day off (with a bit too much to drink) the next day.
Ah, I love this time of year!
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