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GEORGETOWN EQUINE HOSPITAL
















West Nile Virus Vaccine

In response to outbreaks of West Nile Virus over the past three years, Fort Dodge has secured limited FDA approval for a WNV vaccine. In order to secure this licensure, Fort Dodge has demonstrated the safety of its product and a reasonable estimate of its efficacy. According to USDA-APHIS, two horses in Virginia, one in Rockingham County and one in Madison County have been diagnosed with the disease. As the incidence of the disease is on the rise and due to the potential transmission to humans, we are currently recommending that all horses in our practice area be vaccinated for West Nile Virus.

There is some concern that countries that do not currently have any cases of West Nile Virus will change their importation requirements and prevent seropositive horses from entering their country. Seropositive means that there are antibodies in the blood to foreign material such as the West Nile Virus. Once a horse has either been vaccinated or exposed to the virus, it will become seropositive. Horses that may travel internationally should be tested to confirm a negative blood status before vaccination. A record of this test should remain with the owner/trainer and also here at GEH.

The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and although we are several months from the return of the insect season, we are recommending that all horses receive their primary vaccination series. The primary series consists of two vaccinations, one four to six weeks apart. Recent studies have demonstrated that full immunity may not occur for up to two months following the booster. Although the vaccine has not yet proven efficacy, we expect its value to be demonstrated in the near future. Please check the following links for additional information.

Cornell University's Info on WNV USDA

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High Energy Shockwave

Shockwave treatment is one of the most recent and exciting advances in the area of equine sports medicine. Shockwave units have been used for more than twenty years in human and animal medicine to treat kidney and bladder stones. The units are now available for treatment of injuries to bone and ligaments in the horse.

We are currently scheduling appointments for treatment with the STORZ Minilith Extracorporeal Shockwave unit. The STORZ Minilith is the most technologically advanced model capable of delivering the highest intensity shocks to a very precise area. An ultrasound machine coupled to the unit removes the guesswork from the treatment and increases the chances of success.

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New EPM Medication: Marquis

Last October, the Bayer Corporation introduced its new EPM medication to the local veterinary community at a meeting held at the Boar's Head Inn. Dr. Martin Furr of the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center presented his research, which helped Marquis become the first medication to be licensed by the FDA for treatment of EPM.

In the Research used to gain FDA approval, 100 horses diagnosed with EPM were randomly divided into control and treatment groups. Sixty-two percent of the horses treated with Marquis improved at least one grade in neurologic status or even achieved a negative result on the spinal tap. The safety of Marquis has been demonstrated at up to six times the recomended dose, showing minimal potential for toxicity.

We have had the opportunity to use Marquis in several cases and have been pleased with the results. The medication works by inhibiting the replication of the protozoa causing the disease. However, once damage to the spinal cord has occurred, a complete recovery becomes less likely. Early detection and treatment of EPM are paramount to a successful outcome.


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Fetal Loss Syndrome--Kentucky

The abortion storm that struck central Kentucky last spring lead to massive losses in the Thoroughbred breeding industry. Since the problem was first appreciated, we have been fielding questions from Virginia breeders of both Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods. As of yet, we have seen no increase in abortions, resorbed pregnancies, or other anomalies. For the most current information on fetal loss syndrome, please see the following websites.

University of Kentucky Gluck Center Bloodhorse

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Vaccination and Deworming Schedule

Vaccination Schedule
*The following schedule is offered as a general recommendation--specific horses and farms may require some variation.
Month Racehorses/Intensive Showing Yearlings/Light Showing/Pleasure Stallions Barren Broodmares
JANUARY Flu/Rhino Flu/Rhino, RAB
MARCH Flu/Rhino, RAB Flu/Rhino, RAB
MAY Flu/Rhino, EWT, PHF, WNV Flu/Rhino, RAB, EWT, WNV EWT, PHF, WNV EWT, BOT, WNV
JULY Flu/Rhino
SEPTEMBER Flu/Rhino Flu/Rhino
NOVEMBER Flu/Rhino Flu/Rhino Flu/Rhino

* Flu/Rhino=Influenze/Rhinopneumonitis (respiratory), EWT=Eastern & Western Equine Encephalitis and Tetanus Toxoid, PHF=Potomac Horse Fever, RAB=Rabies, Rhino (EHV-1)=Rhinopneumonitis (abortion), BOT=Botulism, WNV=West Nile Virus.
* E&WEE peak incidence is August & September, peak vaccine coverage is six months.
* PHF peak incidence is July, August & September, peak vaccine coverage is four months.
* Repeat vaccination is recommended during an outbreak of E/WEE or PHF.

Foal Vaccinations

Three Months:
Four Months:
Six Months:
Seven Months:
 Flu/Rhino, EWT, WNV
Flu/Rhino, EWT, WNV
RAB, PHF
PHF

Pregnant Broodmares

PREGNANCY 5 months:
PREGNANCY 7 months:
PREGNANCY 9 months:
PREGNANCY 10 months: 		Rhino (EHV-1)
Rhino (EHV-1)
Rhino (EHV-1), RAB
Flu/Rhino, EWT, BOT, WNV 		(Initial BOT series:) BOT #1
BOT #2
(BOT #3)


DEWORMING SCHEDULE


Eight Week Plan
January
March
May
July
September
November 		Ivermectin
Strongid 2X
Panacur
Ivermectin
Strongid 2X
Ivermectin
Six Week Plan
January 1
February 15
April 1
May 15
July 1
August 15
October 1
November 15
Ivermectin
Panacur
Strongid 2X
Ivermectin
Panacur
Ivermectin
Strongid 2X
Ivermectin

* Fecal Egg Counts from 20% of farm population recommended in May and November prior to deworming.
** Please note there are many different methods of deworming--the above schedules are practical suggestions that have been successful for us
Broodmares
(additional deworming)
Thirty days prior to foaling
Two weeks post foaling 		Strongid 2X
Ivermectin

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Directions to GEH:

From Richmond/Williamsburg: Take 64 West. Take the 1st Charlottesville/ Shadwell exit. At the bottom of the ramp turn right (this will put you on 250). Stay on Route 250. You will pass car lots on both sides as you go down Pantops Mtn. Go over Free Bridge and thru the stoplight. Go around 4-5 miles and take the Barracks Road exit. At the end of the ramp turn right. Go ½ mile and at Georgetown Road stop light turn right. Go 250 yards and we're on the left. You will see the Georgetown Veterinary sign. We are the building in back.

From Washington/ Culpeper: Take 29 south. Coming into Charlottesville you need to get onto Route 250 West and take the 1st exit - Barracks Road. At the end of the ramp turn right. Go ½ mile and at the stoplight turn right (Georgetown Road). Go around 250 yards and we're on the left. You will see the Georgetown Veterinary sign. We are the building in back.

From Lynchburg: Take 29 North and pass interstate 64. Stay on 29, take Barracks Road exit. At the end of the ramp turn left. Go ½ mile and at stoplight turn right (Georgetown Road). Go around 250 yards and we're on the left. You will see the Georgetown Veterinary sign. We are the building in back.

From Gordonsville/Orange: Take Route 15 to Gordonsville. Go ½ mile around the circle to Route 231. Follow all the way to Route 250 bypass. Turn right (west) onto bypass. Stay on Route 250. You will pass car lots on both sides as you go down Pantops Mtn. Go over Free Bridge and thru the stoplight. Go around 4-5 miles and take the Barracks Road exit. At the end of the ramp turn right. Go ½ mile and at Georgetown Road stoplight turn right. Go 250 yards and we're on the left. You will see the Georgetown Veterinary sign. We are the building in back.

From Roanoke/Lexington: Take 81 north towards Winchester/Staunton. Once you reach Staunton you will need to get onto Route 64 East heading towards Richmond. 64 will take you over the mountain thru Waynesboro. You will need to take exit 118-B (29 North/Washington). This will put you on 29 North/250 East. You will stay on this road for about 1 ½ miles and will need to take the Barracks Road Exit. At the end of the ramp turn left. Go ½ mile and at Georgetown Road stoplight turn right. Go 250 yards and we're on the left. You will see the Georgetown Veterinary sign. We are the building in back.

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