RATTLESNAKE VACCINE IS AVAILABLE

Do you live, travel, or exercise your dog in an area where rattlesnakes are a concern? If so, you may want to consider the rattlesnake vaccine for your pet. It is indicated for use in healthy dogs that spend time in rattlesnake habitat. The vaccine is labeled for use against Western Diamondback rattlesnake envenomation, but the antibodies that are generated after vaccination exhibit protective effects against many different U.S. rattlesnake venoms.

Effectiveness
Vaccinated dogs typically develop protective antibody levels that are comparable to the neutralization capacity of two to three vials of antivenom. As the cost of a single vial of antivenom is several hundred dollars or more, the vaccine is extremely cost-effective.

The antibodies your dog’s immune system creates after exposure to the vaccine combine with the venom from a rattlesnake bite to slow down systemic absorption, neutralize toxin activity, and lessen tissue injury and pain. Vaccinated dogs present with fewer and less serious symptoms than unvaccinated dogs. In many cases, what would have been a moderate to severe bite will present as a mild envenomation, with localized swelling and little pain. It is recommended that vaccinated dogs remain under veterinary supervision for at least 12-24 hours, depending on the size of the dog.

Vaccine Protocol
The initial sequence is two injections of vaccine one month apart. The minimum time between the two initial doses is three weeks and the maximum is six weeks. Dogs that weigh over 100 pounds may benefit from a third booster one month after the second. Annual boosters are recommended at least one month prior to the time the dog is expected to be in rattlesnake habitat.

Safety of Vaccine
The vaccine can be used in pregnant or lactating dogs and in puppies as young as 16 weeks of age. Nearly all reported adverse effects associated with the vaccine are minor injection site reactions. The number of these local reactions is small: 27 cases per 10,000 doses of vaccine given. Systemic adverse effects are rare: 24 per 100,000 doses given. No cases of severe allergic reaction or death have been reported.

Cost of Vaccination
The charge for the vaccine is $27.75 per dose in addition to the standard examination charge.

All Snakebites are Considered Emergencies
Whether your dog has received the rattlesnake vaccine or not, a snakebite should ALWAYS be considered an emergency for the following reasons:

• The type of snake involved is often unknown. The rattlesnake vaccine protects against some species better than others.
• Antibody titers (level of antibodies in the body) vary depending on the individual dog’s response to the vaccine and the time that has elapsed since the last vaccination.
• The effects of rattlesnake venom are dose and route dependent. Intravenous (into a vein) inoculation of venom or an exceptionally large dose of venom may overwhelm even those dogs with high antibody titers, especially if the dog is small.
• Infection and trauma from the bite itself are potentially serious concerns.

Because of these variables, we urge clients to seek care for their dog following any possible snakebite.

For additional information, please call our office or visit the website of the vaccine manufacturer at www.redrockbiologics.com.