A Vet’s Advice: Dr. David Moss

Let the good times roll

Horse travel season is upon us. Every day I see people preparing to go to rodeos, barrel races, ropings, horse shows, trail rides or other equine events. A little preparation can often make equine outings more enjoyable and safer for both us and our equine friends.

Whenever traveling across state lines, a health certificate and a Coggins test are required. A health certificate (CVI) is an official document stating that your horse is free of disease and that the lab work required by the state you are traveling to has been done. A health certificate is good for 30 days to one location. Most states require that a lab test for Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins Test) be done 6 to 12 months prior to entry. Both must be done by an accredited veterinarian.

A VET’S ADVICE

Dr. David Moss Large Animal Vet

Being up to date on vaccinations is always a good idea when traveling. Horses are under more stress when traveling and as a result more likely to get sick. They also may meet new diseases. It is always good to find out what vaccines are recommended in the region you are going to. For example, rabies vaccine may not be a big deal for a horse in Utah (where we have never had a documented case in the horse) but rabies becomes a bigger risk when traveling in the south.

Remember we do not have vaccines for all diseases. A perfect example of this is the recent outbreaks we have seen with EHM caused by the neurologic form of the EHV-1 virus. As a result, we must rely on other bio security measures and common sense to protect our horses. Not sharing water buckets or feed bins, avoiding contact with other horses as much as possible, giving immune boosting products such as EqStim and cleaning stalls before putting horses in them are just a few of these precautions. Many savvy travelers carry a spray bottle in their trailer and mix Clorox at a ratio of 1 to 10 and spray down the stall before stalling their horses. This will help disinfect against diseases that may have been left by previous occupants.

Keeping horses hydrated while traveling is of utmost importance. It is a good idea to offer them water every 3 to 4 hours. Oral electrolytes are often useful to encourage horses to drink more. Some horses are finicky about the taste of the water. It is always a good idea to bring some water from home. Sometimes you can mask the taste of different water by adding apple cider or punch mix to it.

Cushioning the trailer floor with bedding and mats is always a good idea. Soft-Ride boots or other similar boots are also recommend on long trips. Many people have adapted their trailers so that their horses can face backwards which has been shown to put less stress on the horses legs.

No matter where you go or how long a trip you take be safe, use common sense, and Happy Trails.

Northside Animal Clinic

4715 W. Haven Road West Haven, Utah 84401 801-732-8387

Providing All Your Surgical/Medical Needs For Both Large & Small Animals

Dr. David L. Moss, DVM Dr. Andrea Russell, DVM