Equine Vaccinations & Preventive Care in Citrus Heights
Regular vaccinations and proactive health measures are essential for the long-term well-being of horses. Routine preventive care can lead to early detection of medical issues, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, while equine vaccines can help prevent common illnesses that could lead to long-term health complications.
At our Citrus Heights-based clinic, our experienced team is committed to providing tailored vaccination protocols and preventive strategies for horses. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Why Choose Family Friends Veterinary Hospital for Your Horse’s Preventive Care
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we specialize in equine care. Our experienced veterinarians develop individual care plans that cater to each horse’s specific health needs, as well as each owner’s goals.
Our Citrus Heights-based team is knowledgeable about the regional disease risks, ensuring that the vaccination plans for horses are optimized to account for local conditions and regulations. Our vets also have years of experience treating horse-related health issues and can detect potential issues during routine check-ups.

We realize that pet care, and chiropractic care especially, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our vets practice a personalized approach to ensure each pet receives the best possible care. Each animal’s unique anatomy, condition, and health history plays a key role in what types of treatment our team recommends and performs.
Vaccinations & Preventive Services We Offer in Citrus Heights
At our practice, we offer various core preventive services and vaccines for our equine patients. These include:
Core vaccines such as Eastern/Western equine encephalomyelitis, West Nile Virus, Tetanus, and Rabies.
Risk-based vaccines such as influenza, rhinopneumonitis, strangles, equine herpes, botulism, and Potomac Horse Fever
Paperwork for coggins and health certificates
Annual wellness exams
Deworming programs and fecal egg counts
Dental care check-ups
Breeding and reproductive services

Common Equine Diseases Prevented by Vaccines
Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)
These mosquito-borne viral diseases affect the nervous system and can be fatal.
West Nile Virus
Also mosquito-borne, this virus causes neurological issues and can be deadly for unvaccinated horses.
Tetanus
A disease that enters through wounds and produces a neurotoxin that leads to muscle stiffness and spasms.
Rabies
Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted to humans.
Influenza
A highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through direct contact, coughing, and contaminated surfaces.
Equine Herpesvirus
Refers to contagious DNA viruses that cause respiratory disease in horses.
Strangles
A potentially fatal bacterial infection in a horse’s upper respiratory tract.
Diagnostic Techniques & Screening
Our clinic uses annual wellness exams, bloodwork, and other methods to monitor horse health. We utilize specialized equipment such as portable lab kits, ultrasounds, and digital radiography (X-rays) that help catch issues early and increase the odds of the horse returning to full health.
Regular check-ups can help our veterinarians detect issues early, and they also allow the horse to receive any recurring vaccinations that are needed.

Treatment & Management Strategies for Preventive Care
At our Citrus Heights practice, we develop individualized care plans based on the age, breed, discipline, and regional disease risks of each horse.
Client education is also a critical part of equine care, and we work with each horse owner to understand their needs as well as those of the animals. Our team can work with you to execute deworming protocols, assist with environmental and husbandry management, and develop nutrition plans catered specifically to your horse.
Payment Options for Equine Vaccinations at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Equine Vaccinations. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Vaccinations & Preventive Care
Core vaccines for horses include — Eastern/Western equine encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus, tetanus, and rabies. Your veterinarian may also recommend other non-core vaccines for the horse’s safety depending on the region you live in and their living environment, such as rhinopneumonitis and equine influenza.
The frequency in which a horse should be vaccinated depends on the type of vaccine and its living conditions. For example, in areas where mosquitoes are more common, your vet may suggest giving your horse EEE and WEE vaccines twice per year, while once per year would be sufficient for horses who don’t live in high-mosquito areas. Talk with your veterinarian about the exact cadence needed for each core vaccine.
Equines should be seen for care at least once per year. However, that number increases if you notice your horse developing any symptoms of potential illnesses, if they are pregnant, or if they are senior horse in need of more frequent care.
Book an Appointment at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
New pets are always welcome at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
