Spring Health Day: Keeping the Herd Protected

It was a busy, sun-drenched morning at the Sanctuary this week as we welcomed back Dr. Metcalf for our annual equine wellness day. With the Texas heat and bugs just around the corner, it was time to get our horses and donkeys squared away with their spring vaccinations and Coggins testing.

The Headcount: 31 Strong

This year was our biggest wellness day yet! We had 31 equines line up for their shots and draws. While we have a few more residents than that in our care, some of our newest rescues arrived already up-to-date on their records, so they got to skip the needles and enjoy some extra grazing time instead.

Why the Spring Vaccines Matter

Even though our residents spend their days lounging in our peaceful pastures and rarely leave the property, they still need a robust shield of immunity. Our spring protocol focuses on:

  • The "Core" Vaccines: Protecting against Tetanus, West Nile Virus, and Rabies—diseases that can be transmitted by insects or soil regardless of whether a horse travels.

  • The Coggins Test: This annual blood test checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). Since there is no cure or vaccine for EIA, regular testing is the only way we can guarantee the Sanctuary remains a safe haven for every donkey and horse in the herd.

More Than Just a Vaccine

These visits are about more than just a quick poke. Dr. Metcalf takes the time to look over each resident, ensuring everyone is transitioning well into the new season. Whether it’s checking the weight of our seniors or making sure those winter coats are shedding out properly, it’s a vital part of our commitment to gold-standard care.

What’s Next?

With the sheep and goats already checked off the list and the equines officially protected, the Sanctuary is ready for summer! Everyone is officially set for another wonderful year of Sanctuary life.

A huge thank you to our supporters who make this level of preventative care possible—keeping 31 equines healthy is no small feat, but seeing them thrive makes every bit of it worth it!

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