Rattlesnake Vaccine--Pros/Cons?

Bravo916 · 06-25-2008, 06:16 PM

Hi All,

A recent tragedy in the Yorkie show world has really got to me. A beautiful special had a break from showing and was in the backyard with his owners when he was bit by a rattlesnake. They rushed him to the emergency vet but he passed in the car on the way there.

In addition to my Dobe I also own a Yorkie. While I don't live in an area that has problems with rattlesnakes in my yard we do hike and camp frequently which has the potential run across rattlesnakes.

I ran across an article posted on the VPI Pet Insurance website Rattlesnake Vaccine For Dogs | The Pet Health Zone about the rattlesnake vaccine. It is supposed to create antibodies so that in the event of a bite it reduces swelling/neurological/tissue damage and buys extra time to get to the emergency vet. I am considering vaccinating both of my dogs.

Has anyone had experience with this vaccine?

I did an internet search and see that UC Davis does not recommend it and there have been some purported cases of dogs dying (one was a Doberman)as a result of the vaccine which has made me really leery.

I want to do everything in my power to keep my dogs safe but don't want to put their health in jeopardy by trying to prevent something that might not happen.

Any insight is extremely appreciated!!

**Jenny** · 06-25-2008, 06:34 PM

I know that my vet offers it - but that's all I know. Wish I was of more help.

JenniePoo18 · 06-25-2008, 07:37 PM

Since I do search and rescue with Zeke, I had him get the rattlesnake vaccine, as we are out in thick brush and all kinds of different vegetation, sometimes 30+ miles out from any veterinarian. There have been no ill effects at all that I have noticed. In my opinion, the benefits for the vaccine outweigh the risks.

**berkshire** · 06-25-2008, 10:01 PM

The vaccine itself has been associated with a high rate of vaccine reactions including vaccine site abscesses (severe). It is only effective against venom of one type of rattlesnake. If a vaccinated dog does get bit, they still need antivenom. AND to top it all off, a large percentage of rattlesnake bites are dry bites and do not release venom. My school teaches that the risks outweigh the benefits and that there isn't enough research on the vaccine to substantiate its use.

Bravo916 · 06-26-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berkshire

The vaccine itself has been associated with a high rate of vaccine reactions including vaccine site abscesses (severe). It is only effective against venom of one type of rattlesnake. If a vaccinated dog does get bit, they still need antivenom. AND to top it all off, a large percentage of rattlesnake bites are dry bites and do not release venom. My school teaches that the risks outweigh the benefits and that there isn't enough research on the vaccine to substantiate its use.

Hi Candice,

This information is extremely beneficial! Thank you very much for your insight.

I can definitely see the justification for using it in cases where dogs are involved in search and rescue to mitigate the risk of a potential snake bite but I think my purposes do not warrant the risk of a possible reaction.

Thank you to all who have responded.

Best,
Kristena