It is manufactured from inactivated venom components of the Crotalus atrox ( western diamondback rattlesnake ). The vaccine is for prophylactic use in healthy dogs to help reduce morbidity and mortality from rattlesnake toxin. There is some cross-protection against the venoms of other types of rattlesnakes.
Rattlesnake venom is a mixture of about 15-20 protein toxins. The specific composition of rattlesnake venom varies between species, individuals and even within a single animal over time, depending on age, or even nutritional status.
The vaccine is for protection against the venom of the Western diamondback rattlesnake, however the antibodies made in response to this product have also been shown to protect somewhat against the venom of other U.S. rattlesnake species.
Vaccination protocol: Initially two doses given four weeks apart with a booster dose at least annually. (For small dogs who live in areas with extended rattlesnake seasons, additional doses spaced at four to six month intervals may be indicated)
Even though a dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake envenomation, snakebite should always be considered a veterinary emergency!
The severity of the bite is related to the species of the snake, the amount of venom injected, and size of the dog. In unvaccinated dogs, about 20-25% of snake bites are ‘dry’, no venom injected. An additional 30-40% of bites are mild: pain and swelling present with little systemic involvement, 30-40% moderate to severe with systemic involvement and 5% envenomations are fatal.
Vaccinated dogs present with fewer and less severe symptoms than similar unvaccinated dogs.
The vaccine will also reduce tissue damage. Vaccinated dogs should be monitored and treated according to the severity of the symptoms. The antibodies from the vaccine will combine with the injected venom to slow down the absorption, neutralize toxin activity, and lessen tissue injury and pain. Even dogs without symptoms should remain under veterinary supervision for 8-12 hr for large dogs and 24 hr for small dogs.
Rattlesnake vaccine is now available from Red Rock Biologics.
http://www.redrockbiologics.com/risks.html#top
All vaccines should be evaluated on a risk/benefit basis for each dog. For a complete discussion of the canine immune system and vaccination see http://www.labbies.com/immun.htmÂ
Dogs predisposed to auto-immune disorders by inbreeding (line-breeding) or breed specific risk should have extra consideration before challenging the immune system.
This product first became available in 2003 in California. It is now available to your vet.
for human snakebite information see:
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