Standard Veterinary Procedures Policy

Policy

Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, Inc.’s (BEHS) policy is to provide standard veterinary services to the equines in the organization’s care.

Procedure

Approval

Approval of veterinary procedures must be obtained in accordance with the Veterinary Procedures Policy.

Standard care:

The following routine care will be provided to all equines residing in approved foster homes.  The foster home must  obtain pre-approval for any veterinary care in accordance with the Veterinary Procedures Policy.

Annual vaccinations:

• Seized equines, abandoned equines, and those donated with no vaccination history shall be vaccinated within one (1) month of arriving at a BEHS foster home. Exceptions may be made for severely emaciated equines, ill equines upon recommendation of a veterinarian, or for untouchable/untamed equines.
• Donated equines with a vaccination history will not be vaccinated again until their vaccinations are due. If the equine is not current on all vaccinations required by BEHS, those vaccinations shall be administered within one month of arrival in a foster home.  Exceptions may be made for severely emaciated equines, ill equines upon recommendation of a veterinarian, or for untouchable/untamed equines.

Standard annual vaccinations:

• VEWT [Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western Equine Encephalitis (i.e. Sleeping Sickness). Tetanus]
• WNV (West Nile Virus)
• Rabies
• Flu/Rhino
• Strangles vaccination may be given to horses four years of age and younger.

Previously unvaccinated equines

• Previously unvaccinated equines should receive boosters for all vaccinations approximately four to six weeks after the initial vaccination

Routine Dental Work

• Teeth must be checked annually by either a veterinarian or qualified equine dentist. Floating will be performed if recommended by a veterinarian or equine dentist. Some horses may require dental work more frequently.

Coggins test

• All equines must have a current, negative coggins test at all times. (A current test is one performed within the past twelve (12) months).  Foals under the age of six months may use their dam’s coggins test but must have a coggins test performed once weaned.

Colts and Stallions

All colts will be gelded once their testicles descend into their scrotum within one month.

All stallions, intact jacks, and male mules will be gelded once a veterinarian deems them healthy enough to undergo the gelding procedure.  Exceptions may be made for older stallions or other stallions in which a veterinarian feels that gelding may jeopardize the life and/or health of the stallion.

Pregnant Mares

Pregnant mares shall receive:

• Pneumoaboart vaccine at five, seven, and nine months of gestation
• Vaccinations for VEWT, Flu/Rhino, and rabies one month prior to parturition (giving birth)

Neonatal Care

Between twelve (12) and twenty-four (24) hours after birth, the foal will be tested for passive transfer of immunity by a qualified veterinarian.  If passive transfer of immunity has not occurred, antibodies may be delivered to the foal via IV.

The following vaccinations should be given at three months and four months of age:

• VEWT (Venezuelan, Eastern, and Western Sleeping Sicknesses. Tetanus)
• WNV (West Nile Virus)
• Rabies
• Flu/Rhino

A coggins test should be drawn when the foal is weaned.