Lyme Vaccination for Horses
Lyme disease is becoming more and more common in humans, dogs, and horses in our region. It is spread by ticks and there are two primary ways to counter infection:
- First, do a blood test (4Dx) to determine if the horse has already been exposed. This test can be run on the farm and takes about 10 minutes to have results. (Cost $30)
- If the horse is negative for exposure, I can utilize a canine vaccine that has been shown somewhat protective in horses. (In both dogs and horses, animals are not necessarily immune to the disease altogether, but the animals that have been vaccinated tend to have less severe illness.) The vaccine is administered, then boostered at 3 weeks, and again at 3 months. Based on current research, the protective effects of the vaccination are short lived, requiring frequent (every 6 month) vaccination after the initial series of 3 vaccines are given. (A scientific overview of Cornell University’s pony studies on Lyme treatment and vaccination:http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/aaep/2003/divers2/ivis.pdf). The cost per vaccine dose is $36, if scheduled prior to Feb. 28, 2014. On March 1 there will be a price increase that depends on the manufacturers upcoming price increase.
- Because the vaccination initially requires a series of three visits and a blood test, it can be costly. To help reduce expenses, Lyme vaccinations scheduled for Saturday, March 8, March 29, and May 31 and June 2, will be offered a 50% discount on the normal call charge for your area. This call charge may be further split between multiple owners at one site.
- Due to concerns about reactions, I will NOT administer the Lyme vaccine at the same time as other vaccinations. There is currently no equine vaccination for Lyme disease and I am utilizing a canine vaccination off label; owners will be asked to sign a waiver to this effect.
If a horse turns up positive on the stall side test (4Dx), I would not recommend vaccination at this time. If you are interested we can utilize further blood testing (Multiplex) to see whether the exposure is of great enough concern to consider treatment. We are NOT recommending treatment for horses who are not showing clinical signs.

CALVS is owned and operated by Dr. Dianne Johnson. Dr. Johnson graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in May 2012. Dianne is thankful to be back in Vermont (the other “VT”), where she is close to her family and many friends.
Prior to establishing CALVS, Dr. Johnson did a 6-month internship at Cross-Border Equine in Springfield, VT. Dr. Johnson enjoys working with cattle, small ruminants, camelids, and horses, and will also work with swine and poultry on an as-needed basis. Dianne is especially interested in sustainable farming, pasture management, and preventative care.
In her spare time, Dianne enjoys reading, walking and hiking with her dog, and crafts.
Prior to studying veterinary medicine, Dianne studied psychology and worked as an outdoor education instructor. She enjoys teaching youth and adults husbandry and veterinary medical skills.