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Dog Wash & Pet Boutique

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CANINE CREEK
Dog Wash
& Boutique

Ask Dr. Dave - Rattlesnake Season

As most of you are aware, it is now rattlesnake season.  Every year, we hear of so and so’s dog who was bitten and it a) cost them a fortune to save it or b) the dog didn’t make it. Well, now, it appears that there is a c). There is now a rattlesnake vaccine available. The vaccine provides protection but it is not a cure all.

The vaccine can be used on any dogs and, at this point, there are no known side effects.  The vaccine helps to prevent venom intoxication as antibodies present in vaccinated dogs work against the venom. It will help to reduce the amount of anti-venom needed and, at about $600.00 a vial, the cost of anti-venom is cost prohibitive for lots of people. The cost, per dose, of the vaccine is about $25.00. It is administered in two doses about 3 weeks apart and, at this time, is to be repeated once a year.  Additional studies with regard to that are still under way.  If it does nothing else, it will buy a dog owner time especially if they are out hiking or riding.

The vaccine is based on the hemotoxin of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and will offer cross protection with other local species except the Mojave Green Rattlesnake. This snake has both a hemotoxin and a neurotoxin.It is hoped that the hemotoxin portion of their venom will be affected by the vaccine, but,the neurotoxin portion will not be affected.

The vaccine is available in a limited supply so, check with your veterinarian.

Dr.Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
661 273-1234