One Year on Zoetis: A Horse Story
This year we are getting together with North 40 employee, Ardythe Bessette and Dr. Newman of Associated Veterinary Services to follow Berneice as she gets on the Zoetis' yearlong plan.
When I asked Ardythe how long she had horses, it elicited the familiar pause, "Well since I can remember." When you've been around horses like Ardythe, myself or a whole host of people here in the Northwest, you usually have a horse about the same time you can walk. And it's usually a Shetland.
When asked about her horse Berneice, this year's guinea pig for our Year of Zoetis (check out Round #1: "How to deworm a horse" right here), Ardythe only had positive things to say. There are no back health issues that could impact adversely the next year of equine care we have in the works other than last year, "Berneice was bit in the neck by another horse. We stalled her up on Gore Hill while she was treated with penicillin and a home mixture of Alum, Epsom salt and water." She recovered completely and barely has a scar.
So- what's the story behind Berneice? She is a great horse Arydthe tells me. A certified champion in the JJK Barrel Racing crew out at King's Ranch. She is a trained heading horse as well, and Ardythe competes both barrels and team roping regularly.
"She was actually a Christmas present from my son about four years ago. He gave her to me broke to head, and I trained her on barrels."
"She really takes care of me when we are out. I mean, she never goes on autopilot and is always looking for cues and staying aware. I remember this one time last year, I got my fingers caught in a dally you know some horses will just make that left turn every single time no matter what, but with Berneice, I picked her back up and she came right back into the pocket so I could get loose. She's always like that."
Zoetis: Spring Equine Vaccinations with Berneice
We began our Year of Zoetis with Berneice and Ardythe last winter when the weather was less than ideal.
This spring we administered a Fluvac Innovator 5 (aka "5 way"), a West Nile Innovator vaccine and another round of Zoetis Quest Gel (this product and Zoetis Quest Plus are both over at our site now). Why did we administer these vaccines?
Dr. Newman was sure to let us in on why horses need vaccines, "There's no safe place from West Nile, sleeping sickness and other insect borne diseases. In spring, the bugs are out, and your horses are at risk."
When administering your spring vaccinations, it is recommended you seek advice from your local veterinarian. Many people opt to vaccinate their own animals, and the Zoetis products you need to do that are available at all North 40 Outfitters locations.
Things to remember when administering vaccines: these two types are always given in the horse's front end see the picture below. Dr. Newman showed Jerrin and me the spot to administer these Zoetis products. These shots are intramuscular, so you want to make sure you are in the "meaty" part if your horse's neck.
How to Vaccinate your Horse
Dr. Newman's Simple Steps to Equine Vaccination Success
- That triangle is below the nuchal ligament (the "crest") and above the vertebral column (which is in the lower neck area of the horse) and in front of the shoulder. You pick a place mid-way up that column and pinch.
- That pinch will let the horse know that something is coming, so she won't jump when you have the needle in her.
- Make sure you aspirate your needle. That means pull the plunger back a bit and check for blood. Because this is an intramuscular shot, there should be no blood. If you see blood in your needle, take it out and try a different spot.
We also administered Quest Gel to ensure Berneice would be protected against parasites she may pick up when out grazing this year. She looks good and is doing great!
If you have any questions or comments, please use the comment box below to get in touch with us. We'll work to get back to you within 24-hours.