Dog owners who live in areas where rattlesnakes are a common annoyance have an option of having their animals inoculated against rattlesnake venom. Veterinarians may recommend this vaccine particularly for hunting dogs and animals that hike or camp with their owners. Caregivers should be aware of the side effects of any of their dog's vaccinations and be able to recognize symptoms.
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The venom of a rattlesnake can be fatal to dogs.
Function
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Rattlesnake vaccine is a toxoid -- meaning that it is manufactured from inactivated rattlesnake venom. The toxoid functions in the dog's body by binding to snake venom if a dog is bitten and minimizing its effects. The animal's immune system produces antibodies that will then work to neutralize and destroy the venom.
Time Frame
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Red Rock Biologics, the manufacturer of the vaccine, recommends that dogs receive the first injection four to six weeks prior to rattlesnake season, depending on where the dog lives. The company suggests a second booster shot be given four weeks after the initial dose. Red Rock states that the efficacy of the vaccine last for around six months, so dogs who live in areas where rattlesnakes are active year round will need booster shots every four to six months. In addition, according to Red Rock, small dogs under 25 pounds and extremely large dogs over 100 pounds require an additional booster in the initial dosage due to the smaller levels of antibodies produced by their bodies.
Side Effects
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Side effects of the rattlesnake vaccine appear to be mild and few in number, states the manufacturer. Mild swelling at the injection site is possible, and Red Rock reports that some veterinarians have had to drain fluids from the site and prescribe antibiotics for infection. They also report that less than one-tenth of one percent of vaccinated animals has experienced episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, and these effects only lasted for one to two days. Anaphylaxis, an acute, life-threatening reaction to the vaccine, is estimated by Red Rock to occur in one to three cases per million doses.
Prevention/Solution
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Most veterinarians will recommend bringing the vaccinated dog into the clinic for an examination if it experiences any symptoms after dosing. Treatment for injection site swelling usually includes administration of either an antihistamine or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Any other side effects may be considered a veterinary emergency.
Warning
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Even if the dog has been vaccinated, a snake bite is always an emergency, and a veterinarian should see the animal immediately. Red Rock Biologics admits its rattlesnake vaccine does not protect from the venom of water moccasins, coral snakes or the Mojave rattlesnake and its efficacy is determined by the location of the bite and the amount of injected venom in the dog.
According to Dr. Valarie Webb, Pharm.D of the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in her article "Use of the Rattlesnake Vaccine in Dogs," injection of the rattlesnake vaccine is not currently advocated by the hospital, and it is not carried in their pharmacy. She states that although many veterinarians do carry the vaccine, it is not recommend by the hospital due to its "questionable efficacy, cost, and no substantial difference in acute therapy if bitten."
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