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I was taught in Veterinary school that vaccinations could do no harm and were very effective in preventing disease. For the first ten years of my practice, I encouraged owners to vaccinate for encephalomyelitis, tetanus and rabies once a year and influenza and rhinopneumonitis twice a year. Pregnant mares were vaccinated for rhino at 5, 7, and 9 months of pregnancy. I never saw a case of encephalomyelitis, tetanus or rabies and I believe the incidence of full blown cases of flu and rhino were decreased in vaccinated horses. However, I was kept very busy treating colic, laminitis, sick foals and chronic respiratory infections. Around 1990 I read my first article suggesting vaccinations could have some negative effects on horse's health. My initial reaction was one of disbelief and anger at even the suggestion. Once this seed was planted, however, I could no longer deny that vaccinations often did aggravate symptoms in some chronically ill horses.
At this time my roommate and I had 20 horses and after some soul searching, we elected to skip their annual boosters. To our amazement not only did the horses stay healthy, but their health actually improved. Several of these horses had a tendency to colic and they colicked less frequently or not at all. Two horses had chronic laminitis and both of these improved steadily and one was even able to go back into training. Several of the horses did contract a respiratory infection at a local show, but other vaccinated horses at other barns in the area were also affected. Hair coat, hooves and feed efficiency also improved.
About one year after our decision to skip vaccinations, we had an encephalomyelitis scare so we boostered all horses with eastern and western encephalomyelitis and tetanus. Within 30 days, both foundered horses relapsed and our colic incidence was back up. This experience made a believer out of me and from that point on, I advised my clients to tailor their vaccination programs to individual needs and to cease vaccinating any horse with a chronic illness. After 4 years of less vaccination and drug use I noticed fewer laminitis cases, milder and fewer colics and overall healthier patients. Vaccinations can overwhelm the immune system especially if it is weakened already by chronic disease. In healthy individuals excessive vaccination can actually create a disease state called vaccinosis. Symptoms of vaccinosis can vary greatly but include dry hair coat, weak hooves, skin eruptions, sarcoids and warts.
There is much we need to learn about the effectiveness and safety of vaccines. Drug companies do not test vaccines to see how long they are effective. so checking titers on horses may be a way to avoid annual vaccinations. Vaccination programs should be geared to fit each individual situation.
Thuja Occidentalis - Arbor Vitae
This remedy is most often prescribed for the ill effects of vaccination. Its main action is on the skin and genito-urinary organs. Symptoms include warts, polyps, lameness in tendons and muscles which is worse in damp weather, rapid exhaustion and emaciation, chronic nasal discharge, chronic diarrhea, distended abdomen, colic, inflamed ovaries, chronic uterine infection, poor quality hooves and swollen glands.
Case Report
Amy - 28 Year Old Arab Mare
Amy was obtained by her owner in February 1996. She was in very bad shape but had been gradually nursed back to health. Her weight, appetite, and hair coat were good, but in May of this year she received a puncture wound and needed a tetanus booster. She was accidentally given a combination vaccine containing encephalomyelitis, tetanus, influenza and rhinopneumonitis. The next day she was very depressed and would not eat. Over the next 10 days, she remained depressed with a poor appetite. She was given one dose of the Homeopathic remedy, Thuja 200c which often matches the symptoms caused by the ill effects of vaccination. Within 24 hours her attitude and appetite were greatly improved, and she was on the mend.
Case Report
Karisle -5 Year Old Warmblood Gelding
Karisle had a history of skin eruptions and warts. He has been vaccinated each year with encephalomyelitis, tetanus, influenza and rhinopneumonitis. After his shots this spring, he developed painful papilloma warts in his left ear. He became very headshy and could not be bridled in the normal way. One dose of Thuja 30c was given because it matched his symptom picture. Within two weeks the warts were less obvious and he was not as painful around his ear. Karisle's tendency toward skin problems and warts suggest his immune system is weak. Treatment from this point on should focus on strengthening his immune system.
About the Author
Madalyn Ward, DVM, owns Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas. She is certified in Veterinary Homeopathy and Equine Osteopathy. Memberships include American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinay Medical Association and the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. She has authored several books and publishes the monthly newsletter, “Holistic Horsekeeping.”
Contact
Madalyn Ward DVM
11608 FM 1826
Austin, TX 78737
303-575-1170
www.holistichorsekeeping.com
www.horseharmony.com
www.horseharmonytest.com
www.yourhorsebook.com
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