Equimune Viral Disease Protection

Viral diseases are a common problem when it comes horses. Most commonly these are respiratory tract viruses that can cause severe inflammation and damage to the upper and lower respiratory tracts. However there are many other viral diseases that horses are exposed to and that can cause a wide range of clinical signs and outcomes. At best there may be slight decrease in performance or in more severe cases expensive veterinary treatment or even death.

There are limited treatments available that can be used to prevent or minimize clinical signs of viral disease. One product that may be useful is Equimune® I.V. This is a purified extract of a portion of the cell wall of bacteria which has been processed to reduce any toxic or allergic side effects but which still retains the ability to produce an immune response. Following injection of Equimune® intravenously the hoses body will recognize a foreign protein is present and mounts an immune response, primarily through activation of cytokine interleukin. This immune response is similar to that which would occur following a natural viral or bacterial infection and effectively prepares the immune system for when a real viral infection occurs.

 

The immune response obtained works both by cell mediated immunity and humoral antibody immunity. CMI involves the activation of cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes in the body defense system that directly attack foreign antigens, in particular viruses. The HA response results in production of antibodies which can attach to the virus to assist in its destruction.

 

To minimize the risk of infection is to prevent mosquito bites in horses by applying insect repellants and rugs and keeping the horse indoors as much as possible. It may also be prudent to administer Equimune® I.V. in high risk areas to boost the immune system, which may enhance the ability of the horse to resist infection, by reducing or possibly eliminating the clinical signs and duration of disease. Research data suggests that a single Equimune® I.V. injection provides a stimulated immune response and can be repeated every 3 to 4 weeks safely in horses.

Allivet carries Equimune® I.V. at the lowest prices with the added convenience of having your horse vaccines delivered to your door. Shop Allivet and save more.