FWIW, in our case it was a single Rabies vaccine. Reaction issues are often to the carrier and not the vaccine itself, so a different manufacturer can be a good option.
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Theoretically, combined vaccines shouldn’t be particularly problematic, as animals (and humans) are exposed to so many different antigens every day.
In practice, I prefer splitting them up to some extent, as a) not all horses need everything possible to vaccinate for and b) if there is a reaction, it’s a bit easier to determine the likely culprit.
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All of mine get a pre-load of banamine for shots now. Though I have one that can’t have NSAIDs so I guess we will do a trial with Tylenol.
Interesting that someone mentioned pre-loading with Zyrtec - one of mine has struggled with hives/huge stuff swollen neck post-vaccine, I wonder if this would help?
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I think it’s more about the brand/manufacturer than the numbers.
I have a couple brands that do not cause reactions, but Zoetis/Ft Dodge always does.
You have to track this yourself.
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Yes, I know. The vet who came for the colic is a different vet than the one who administered the vaccines (she was geographically not available.) My late DH was a vet and did not use Ft. Dodge. This is the first time in 35 years I’ve had this happen. I will look into the brand used.
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Ft. dodge is now Zoetis.
Merck is one that so far, hasn’t caused a reaction.
My vet says she’s had many
Reaction problems w/ rabies.
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Thank you for this information.
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Yes. It was hard to convince the vets there was a relationship though. Now, I always start 1 or 2 days ahead and give 20 benadryl tablets every 8 hours leading up to the vaccine, and Banamine a few hours before the actual vaccine itself.
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Does anyone know if Zoetis is less expensive than Merck for a vet to purchase?
Funny you ask.
Because I always wondered the same. When My horses started having reactions, I had to insist to my vet, no more Zoetis- so she had to ‘special order’ the other brand.
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Very interesting… I’ll bet money Merck is more expensive. I’m more than happy to pay the additional costs to prevent this.
I just checked Valley Vet.
5 way Zoetis- $38.41 single dose
5 way Merck- $53.99 single dose.
There ya go.
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FWIW, I just saw the worst vaccine reaction I’ve ever witnessed from a 5 way Merck. This horse has previously had a minor reaction, but this was massive swelling, fever, colic, and symptoms are now into day 3. He’s improving, but it’s been scary.
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Oh gosh!!! I’m so sorry!
I’ve never made my vaccine choices based on the price.
I’ve always considered which ones have had the fewest issues.
I suspect that most of my colleagues condier that as well.
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I wonder…I have friends who complain about the price of vaccines. One of my boarders said she was going to do hers herself last year. That was a big nope from me. I told her she couldn’t expect a veterinarian to come for her in difficult situations if she didn’t give the vet the easier work.
Perhaps in some areas vets do choose a less expensive vaccine to satisfy people like this so horses still get the care they need.
I used to tell folks that they’re welcome to give their own vaccines if they want, but what they’re paying the DVM for is knowing what to give, when to give it, when not to give it, and what to do if something goes wrong.
And for knowing the vaccine was properly handled from manufacturer to horse.
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I mean, I normally do my vaccines myself - I have four horses at home (not counting the one that had the reaction, who is leased out). It costs me 4x as much to have the vet do them, plus an hour each way to haul in. However, my vet clinic is a big operation (24/7 hospital + multiple specialties) and I don’t think they really rely on that type of work like an independent single vet clinic would. You don’t need to have an established relationship to bring your horse in for an emergency there.
Since we’re talking manufacturer names, I believe the rabies vax that mine had a reaction to was Boehringer Ingelheim.
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This is the one my horse had issues with. Wasn’t anything to do with price. My vet prefers this brand for least reactions. Turns out my horse is super special.
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My friend’s horse had neurological issues after vaccination. Then recovered after 3-4 days. My friend has decided not to vaccinate her again.
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