Books - it is your best bet to read up on every veterinary and emergency care book you can find. Then pick your favorite and purchase it and add it to your kit
Your vets phone number and your alternate vets phone number
Tablet and pen
Flashlight with good batteries
Halter and Lead rope
Container to hold all of your First Aid items and something to cover the container to protect it from dust and the elements
Keep your First Aid kit where you can grab it and run in an emergency.
As an animal owner there are certain responsibilities that you need to follow through with for your horse or pet. Your main objective is to keep your horse or pet healthy and happy. This in turn requires the neccesary maintance and knowledge required to fulfil your obligations as an owner. On this page you will find health charts and information pertaining to the care and well being of your horse or pet. Please keep in mind that there are certain situations in which you MUST get your animal to the vet immediately but it also doesn't hurt to know what you can and should not do in order to attain the very best outcome for your beloved horse or pet when you make that trip. This page will also include information charts for your convenience so that there is no quess work for instance when your animal needs immunizations, trimmings, etc.
**Tidbit** Now as an animal owner more than likely there will be an emergency vet run at some point in time. Not all of us are financially set up for that. To make things a bit easier when and if that time comes I always suggest to set up a seperate account from any other that you may have. Whether it be in your bank, in your wallet(to easy to spend) or in an old sock tucked away in your drawer. For each small animal you have sock away $10.00 a week and for each horse $20.00 a week. (Now I am talking about the animal owner that just has a few animals not an entire operation going) If you manage to save that money for one year you will have $520.00 saved up for each small animal and $1040.00 saved up for each horse. Seems like a lot but believe me when it comes time for vaccines or an emergency trip to the vet you will be able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that there won't be an "extra" expense nor will you be scambling for the money to help your horse or pet because it it already tucked away.
(Note: Tetanus Anti-toxin, often given at birth, does not invoke long term immunity in foals.)
From nonvaccinated mare: First dose: 3 to 4 months Second dose: 4 to 5 months
From vaccinated mare: First dose: 6 months Second dose: 7 months Third dose: 8 to 9 months
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual, 4 to 6 weeks prepartum
Booster at time of penetrating injury or surgery if last dose not administered within 6 months
Encephalomyelitis
(EEE, WEE, VEE)
EEE: (in high-risk areas) First dose: 3 to 4 months Second dose: 4 to 5 months Third dose: 8 to 9 months
WEE, EEE (in low-risk areas) and VEE: From nonvaccinated mare: First dose: 3 to 4 months Second dose: 4 to 5 months Third dose: 5 to 6 months
From vaccinated mare: First dose: 6 months Second dose: 7 months Third dose: 8 months
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Annual, 4 to 6 weeks prepartum
Annual, 4 to 6 weeks prepartum
In endemic areas booster EEE and WEE every 6 months; VEE only needed when threat of exposure; VEE may only be available as a combination vaccine with EEE and WEE.
Influenza
Inactivated injectable: From nonvaccinated mare: First dose: 6 months Second dose: 7 months Third dose: 8 months Then at 3-month intervals
From vaccinated mare: First dose: 9 months Second dose: 10 months Third dose: 11 to 12 months Then at 3-month intervals
Every 3 to 4 months
Every 3 to 4 months
Annual with added boosters prior to likely exposure
At least semiannual, with 1 booster 4 to 6 weeks prepartum
A series of at least 3 doses is recommended for primary immunization of foals.
Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4)
First dose: 4 to 6 months Second dose: 5 to 7 months Third dose: 6 to 8 months Then at 3-month intervals
Every 3 to 4 months
Optional: semiannual if elected
Annual with added boosters prior to likely exposure
Fifth, seventh, ninth month of gestation (inactivated EHV-1 vaccine); optional dose at third month of gestation.
Vaccination of mares before breeding and 4 to 6 weeks prepartum is suggested. Breeding stallions should be vaccinated before the breeding season and semiannually
Strangles
Injectable: First dose: 4 to 6 months Second dose: 5 to 7 months Third dose: 7 to 8 months (depending on the product used) Fourth dose: 12 months
Semi-
annual
Optional: semi-annual if risk is high
Optional: semi-annual if risk is high
Semi-annual with 1 dose of inactivated M-protein vaccine 4 to 6 weeks prepartum
Vaccines containing M-protein extract may be less reactive than whole-cell vaccines. Use when endemic conditions exist or risk is high.
Rabies
Foals born to non-vaccinated mares: First dose: 3 to 4 months Second dose: 12 months
Foals born to vaccinated mares: First dose: 6 months Second dose 7 months Third dose: 12 months
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual, before breeding
Vaccination recommended in endemic areas. Do not use modified-live-virus vaccines in horses.
Potomac Horse Fever
First dose: 5 to 6 months Second dose: 6 to 7 months
Semi-annual
Semi-annual
Semi-annual
Semi-annual with 1 dose 4 to 6 weeks prepartum
Booster during May to June in endemic areas.
Botulism
Foal from vaccinated mare: 3 dose series of toxoid at 30-day intervals starting at 2 to 3 months-of-age
Foal from non-vaccinated mare: see comments
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Mares should be vaccinated at eight, nine, and 10 months gestation.
Only in endemic areas. A third dose administered 4 to 6 weeks after the second dose may improve the response of foals to primary immunization.
Foal from non-vaccinated mare may benefit from: 10 toxoid at 2,4 and 8 weeks-of-age; 2) transfusion of plasma from vaccinated horse; or 3) antitoxin. Efficacy needs further study.
Equine Viral Arteritis
Intact colts intended to be breeding stallions: One dose at 6 to 12 months-of-age
Annual for colts intended to be breeding stallions
Annual for colts intended to be breeding stallions
Annual for colts intended to be breeding stallions
Annual for seronegative, open mares before breeding to carrier stallions; isolate mares for 21 days after breeding to carrier stallion
Annual for breeding stallions and teasers, 28 days before start of breeding season; virus may be shed in semen for up to 21 days. Vaccinated mares do not develop clinical signs even though they become transiently infected and may shed virus for a short time.
Rotavirus A
Little value to vaccinate foal because insufficient time to develop antibodies to protect during susceptible age
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Vaccinate mares at 8, 9 and 10 months of gestation, each pregnancy. Passive transfer of colostral antibodies aid in prevention of rotaviral diarrhea in foals.
Check concentrations of immunoglobulins in foal to be assured that there is no failure of passive transfer.
West Nile Virus
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Initial dose followed by a second dose in 3-6 weeks with semi-annual or annual boosters.
A third initial dose is ONLY needed if the second booster dose was given after the 6 week period following the first dose. This dose should also be given in the 3-6 weeks period.
Have vaccine series completed at least one month prior to the mosquito season
EPM
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Annual, spring
Initial dose followed by a second dose in 3-6 weeks with semi-annual or annual boosters.
EQUINE DISEASE SYMPTOMS
Disease
General Signs
Spread
Tetanus
Difficulty eating or walking, overreaction to noise, stiffness, elevation of the 3rd eyelid.
Not contagious; caused by punctures and wound infection.
Encephalomyelitis
Often fatal; fever, staggering, circling, head pressing, depression and sleepiness.
Not contagious, but spread by mosquitoes.
Equine Influenza
Rarely fatal; cough, loss of appetite, fever, depression, muscle soreness, discharge from the eyes & nose.
Fever, swollen jaw glands, loss of appetite, cough, nasal discharge, can cause abortion in pregnant mares.
Very contagious; keep affected animals isolated.
Potomac Horse Fever
Lethargy, anorexia, fever, colic, laminitis, colitis, and diarrhea.
Spread during insect season, vector unknown.
Signs of West Nile virus in horses: Symptoms can be confused with rabies, EPM ("Possum Disease), equine encephalitis, and other serious neurological diseases. If you see any of these signs in your horse, CALL your veterinarian immediately. Stumbling or tripping ~ Muscle weakness or twitching ~ Partial paralysis ~ Loss of appetite ~ Depression or lethargy ~ Head pressing or tilt ~ Impaired vision ~ Wandering or circling ~ Inability to swallow ~ Inability to stand up ~ Fever ~ Convulsions ~ Coma.
VITAL SIGNS-
Normal Resting Heart Rate- 35-40 beats per minute (resting pulse of 50 or higher indicates the horse is in physical stress)
Normal Rectal Body Temp- 100.5 (anything 102 and over normally indicates infection)
Normal Resting Breathing Rate- 12 to 15 breathes per minute (rapid, shallow breathing at rest indicates the horse needs medical attention)
WORMING SCHEDULE
Make sure that you alternate wormers each time your worm your horse and this does include switching out daily wormers used in feed.
Month One
A fenbendazole-based product such as Safe Guard.
Month Three
An ivermectin-based product such as Zimecterin Gold.
Month Five
A pyrantel pamoate-based product such as Strongid.
Month Seven
An oxibendazole-based product such as Anthelcide EQ.
Month Nine
A moxidectin-based product such as Quest.
Repeat Rotation
HOOF CARE SCHEDULE
The old saying "NO HOOF, NO HORSE" is something you should ALWAYS remember.
Clean your horses hooves daily, exam for rocks, foreign objects, cracks, splits and absesses.
A good rule of thumb is to have your horses hooves trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks if they are barefoot.
If you rely on farrier care for shoeing make sure you are scheduled in with a reliable, dependable farrier. If your horse loses a shoe get it replaced or all shoes removed immediately.
CANINE
Vaccines
Dog Vaccination Schedule
Age
Vaccination
5 weeks
Parvovirus: for puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Check with your veterinarian.
6 & 9 weeks
Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
12 weeks or older
Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law).
12 & 15 weeks**
Combination vaccine Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Adult (boosters)§
Combination vaccine Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to local law).
Some puppies will require additional vaccinations for the Parvo virus. Be sure to consult your veterinarian.
**
Researchers at the Veterinary Schools at the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University, and University of Wisconsin suggest alternating vaccinations in dogs from year to year. Instead of using multivalent vaccines (combination vaccines against more than one disease), they recommend using monovalent vaccines which only have one component, e.g., a vaccine that only contains parvovirus. So, one year your dog would be vaccinated against distemper, the next year against canine adenovirus-2, and the third year against parvovirus. Then the cycle would repeat itself. Other researchers believe we may not have enough information to recommend only vaccinating every 3 years. Manufacturers of dog vaccines have not changed their labeling which recommends annual vaccinations. Again, each dog owner must make an informed choice of when to vaccinate, and with what. Consult with your veterinarian to help you make the decision.
**
Make sure you take special care to prevent heartworms in your dog.
WORMING
Puppies
Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 2 weeks old.
Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age
After 6 months, follow adult recommendations. Also after six months, use a heartworm preventative medication that is effective against hookworms and roundworms.
Adult Dogs
Treat regularly, considering potential exposure to parasites (example: four times a year)
A continued surveillance of parasite prevalence in your area is recommended.
Breeding/Pregnant/Lactating Females
Once prior to mating
Once at birthing
Lactating females should be treated concurrently with puppies.
Newly Acquired Animals
Note: Obtain the deworming history of the new pet from previous owner.
Immediately; then repeat after 2 weeks, then follow instructions above.
Be sure to keep toenails trimmed, coats groomed and ears/eyes cleaned.
For special skin needs, dietary etc. please consult your veterinarian :)
Recommended for all cats that live outside full or part time, or those living full time inside but with exposure to outside cats. Also suggested for all kittens.
Variable
Revaccinate annually for cats at risk
Vaccine-related sarcomas can develop with killed (adjuvanted) vaccines
Vaccination not recommended for cats with minimal or no risk, especially after 4 months of age; blood test prior to vaccination
Insufficient data to comment - vaccinated cats should be permanently identified since they will likely have positive results if tested for FIV
Cat Vaccination Schedule
Age
Vaccination
6-7 weeks
Combination Vaccine*
12 weeks or older
Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law).
13 weeks
Combination vaccine Chlamydia (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern. Feline Leukemia (FeLV): for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus.
16 & 19 weeks
Combination vaccine Chlamydia (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern. FeLV: for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus.
Adult (boosters)**
Combination vaccine Chlamydia (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern. FeLV: for cats at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus. Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to law).
*A combination vaccine includes feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Some may also include chlamydia.
**According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the cat, the potential of the cat to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the cat lives or may visit.
I am not real familiar with cats beyond this point. I love them, I think they are beautiful, but I am highly allergic to them and can't experience them first hand inside my home with me sitting on my lap. However, I have several "outdoor" cats that enjoy the luxury of running outdoors and getting fed cat food daily plus they have there own back room in the back of the house that is kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer :) Spoiled rotten haha
