Very Common
Related Diagnoses
This treatment might be used to treat these conditions or ailments.
Treatment
A way to improve or resolve a condition or diagnosis. This might include resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment).
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY Recommend
Vaccination, Potomac Horse Fever
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
There is disagreement in the veterinary literature about the effectiveness of Potomac Horse Fever vaccines.
Until more is known, a reasonable approach is to use the vaccine in areas where the risk for this disease is higher. The vaccine is fairly safe, and given frequently, might help protect against disease. It is given as an intramuscular injection.
Vaccines work by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against the agent, in this case a Rickettsia. Talk to your vet to determine whether your horse needs this vaccine. If you decide to vaccinate your horses, I recommend that your vet vaccinate your horse because they can ensure that the vaccine is handled and administered properly, and address any complications.
If your horse(s) have been diagnosed with PHF, then you should talk to your vet about your vaccination program.
Until more is known, a reasonable approach is to use the vaccine in areas where the risk for this disease is higher. The vaccine is fairly safe, and given frequently, might help protect against disease. It is given as an intramuscular injection.
Vaccines work by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against the agent, in this case a Rickettsia. Talk to your vet to determine whether your horse needs this vaccine. If you decide to vaccinate your horses, I recommend that your vet vaccinate your horse because they can ensure that the vaccine is handled and administered properly, and address any complications.
If your horse(s) have been diagnosed with PHF, then you should talk to your vet about your vaccination program.
my vet's role
Know Related Treatments
Your vet considers other treatments that might be used along with or instead of this treatment.
Rare
CONSIDER POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS & COMPLICATIONS
Any vaccine can cause local swelling and pain. Horses may be depressed and lose their appetite. Anaphylactic reactions are possible and can cause severe depression, colic, diarrhea or hives.CONSIDER REASONS NOT TO USE THIS TREATMENT
Horses that are ill for any reason should generally not be vaccinated until they have fully recovered.Horses that are being given systemic steroid medication or other immunosuppressive drugs may not mount an appropriate immune response following vaccination, rendering vaccination ineffective.
Do not use in foals less than 5 months if their dams have been vaccinated.
your role
Related Skills
These are skills you might need if your horse is getting this treatment.
Is it working? Timeframe for effect.
Antibody titers rise weeks after primary series. They rise days after booster doses. In areas in which the Potomac Horse Fever organism is endemic (occurs naturally), vaccination is thought to reduce the severity of infection in horses that do become infected. Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What is the best time of year to vaccinate my horses, given my geographic location?
further reading & resources
Brand Name Products
Equine health related brand name products and services.
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Merial Equine Potomavac®, Equine Vaccine
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Merial Equine Potomavac® + IMRAB®, Equine Vaccine
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Related References:
American Association of Equine Practitioners website. Vaccination Guidelines. Available at:
http://www.aaep.org/info/vaccination-guidelines-265. Accessed 2013.
Wilson WD, Pusterla N. Current Concepts in Equine Vaccination & Infectious Disease Control in Smith BP ed., Large Animal Internal Medicine, 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier, 2015; 1437.