Rattlesnake Vaccine - Page 1

Has anyone here used it?

UC Davis Vaccination Guidelines:
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vmth/small_animal/internal_medicine/vaccination_protocols.cfm

(scroll down to):

"Canine Rattlesnake Vaccine

The canine rattlesnake vaccine comprises venom components from Crotalus atrox (western diamondback). Although a rattlesnake vaccine may be potentially useful for dogs that frequently encounter rattlesnakes, currently we are unable to recommend this vaccine because of insufficient information regarding the efficacy of the vaccine in dogs. Dogs develop neutralizing antibody titers to C. atrox venom, and may also develop antibody titers to components of other rattlesnake venoms, but research in this area is ongoing. Owners of vaccinated dogs must still seek veterinary care immediately in the event of a bite, because 1) the type of snake is often unknown; 2) antibody titers may be overwhelmed in the face of severe envenomation, and 3) an individual dog may lack sufficient protection depending on its response to the vaccine and the time elapsed since vaccination. According to the manufacturer, to date, rare vaccinated dogs have died following a bite when there were substantial delays (12-24 hours) in seeking treatment. Recommendations for booster vaccination are still under development, but it appears that adequate titers do not persist beyond one year after vaccination. Adverse reactions appear to be low and consistent with those resulting from vaccination with other products available on the market. The product license is currently conditional as efficacy and potency have not been fully demonstrated. Based on existing evidence, the UC Davis VMTH does not currently recommend routine vaccination of dogs for rattlesnake envenomation, and the vaccine is not stocked by our pharmacy."

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So, no, I don't.

Six of mine got it this year.  The hospitals won't release the antivenom to veterinary clinics any longer (here, at least) so better safe than sorry.  Reportedly, in at least several cases my vet had examined of dogs that were bitten, had little to no reaction from the snake's venom.  Some dogs might react to the shot, such as an allergic reaction creating a temporary lumpy spot where the shot was administered, but nothing serious ever resulted from my vet's clients.  The cautionary disclaimers are standard practice with newly developed medicines, better to be safe than held liable for lawsuit.

snakes give me the willys

IF I lived in an area where my dogs had a high exposure to rattlesnakes, or if I was in a remote area where time after being bit by a snake would be a significant factor I would probably utilize the vaccine.  Having said that,  the reasons Davis doesn't  recommend the vaccine has nothing to do with  "CYA":

 http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vmth/pharmacy/pdfs/pharmnewsvol4-1.pdfare

(Scroll down to efficacy)
"Although the vaccine appears to be safe (1% injection site reactions), vaccinated animals must still be considered a veterinary emergency if bitten. This is due to the fact that 1) not all species of snakes are well covered by the vaccine 2) the dogs response to the vaccine is variable 3) the amount of venom may overwhelm even the highest titers and 4) the vaccine does not address secondary tissue necrosis or infection.  While severe envenomation in vaccinated dogs may still require antitoxin, there does not appear to be a significant difference in the course of treatment if an animal is bitten.  In addition as of this writing there have not been ANY objective studies conducted to prove the efficacy of this.   Due to the vaccines questionable efficacy, cost, and no substantial difference in acute therapy if bitten, the product is currently not advocated for animals seen at the VMTH.

However, in patients that are at very high risk, and in areas where treatment may be substantially delayed, the rattlesnake vaccine may buy time for the owner to get their animal to a veterinarian and may potentially decrease the overall severity of envenomation. Although the VMTH does not stock the vaccine, many referring veterinarians often carry the vaccine."

(There are several different papers written on this issue on the Davis site.)
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For  those who do decide to have their dogs vaccinated, be sure you keep in mind  RedRock Biologics recommends small dogs,  large dogs and dogs that are in high exposure areas be vaccinated 3 times a year, and dogs in moderate snake areas (half of the USA)  be vaccinated 2 times a year  during rattlesnake season.  

Finally it's an interesting coincidence,  we heard the same thing in my area last year about there not being any antivenen being provided to veterinary hospitals because of a shortage, but it turned out just to be a rumor, it  wasn't true.  

I did it last year. Probably will this year too, if I go back into the desert. People I know who have given the shots and then had their dogs bitten say that basically all it does is give you a couple extra hours to get to the vet before serious damage begins, but that two hours seems important to me. Especially if I'm out in the desert hours away from a road. 

I'm getting that weird ass hinky, goose pimply, hair raising on the back of the neck feeling......someone is walking on my grave and telling me to  hedge my damn bets and get the dogs vaccinated with the rattlesnake vaccine, so I guess I am going to the vets office  tomorrow.

My vet has been offering it for awhile now. I've not run across a rattlesnake on my property, but I have friends who have had their dogs bitten and one died.These dogs weren't out working or tracking. They were bitten because the snakes were chased into their property due to the clearing of  land for development...and the dogs were curious about the snake smell & sound.  A lot of field dog trainers around here also do "snake proofing" with electric collars, too.

Buying time for the dog is worth it I think,  but I've not known anyone that has used the vaccine. Thanks for input.