Vaccine to protect dogs from rattlesnake bites now available

Protecting man's best friend against rattlesnake bites was not a medical option until recently.

For about two years now, a vaccine for dogs has been available in California to help protect them against rattlesnake venom. According to manufacturer Red Rock Biologics, the vaccine stimulates a dog's immunity by increasing antibody levels. Protective antibodies made by the dog in response to the vaccine, start neutralizing venom immediately.

"Even if a dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake bites and is bitten, it should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and further treatment, if necessary," said Dr. Mike Chumrau with Sierra Veterinary Hospital in Carson City.

Chumrau presented a free clinic on the vaccine Tuesday evening at the hospital. He also provided information on how to build a first aid kit for animals.

An initial vaccine is given and a booster shot is administered three to six weeks later. A yearly booster shot is recommended in the spring, just as temperatures begin to warm. Only one booster per year is recommended for Northern Nevada where there are fewer warm temperature months.

Chumrau also recommends the animal be at least 4 months old and have already received other canine vaccinations.

Without the rattlesnake vaccine, the process of saving an animal's life is extensive and expensive.

One vial of antivenin costs $400-$600 and it can take one to three vials to counteract the venom depending on the amount injected into the dog, size of dog, where the dog was bit, physical activity and time elapsed after the bite.

"This is in addition to antibiotics, hospitalization, IV fluids, lab testing. It's pretty aggressive treatment," Chumrau said.

Sierra Veterinary Hospital treated six snake bite victims last year, three in one week shortly after the Waterfall fire.

"Reasons to vaccinate your dog include - you live in a rattlesnake habitat area, and you take your animal to areas that are some distance from a vet."

Emergency care is most crucial in the first 4-6 hours. The venom begins to destroy the blood vessel walls and can cause the animal to bleed from the liver and spleen, up to one-third of its total blood amount.

The vaccine does not preclude the owner from seeking emergency treatment for the animal. Emergency care should always be sought as soon as possible.

Donna Miles of Carson City walks her two schnauzers in the Centennial Park area and along the Carson River. She attended the clinic to get information on the vaccine and its benefits.

"I feel I am better informed," Miles said. "I'm still considering the vaccine for my dogs."

"If you live in a warmer climate year-round, the dog should get a booster shot every six months," Chumrau advised. "It's like having insurance."

n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

Once bitten, Twice shy

Signs of a snakebite: Pain, swelling, blood from puncture site, edema

Permanent injuries can include necrosis of the limb; skin and muscle can slough and fall off.

Possible side effects: Reaction at the injection site or systemic reaction - vomiting, diarrhea.

Species of rattlesnakes in area: Great Basin (Northern Nevada); Sidewinder and Mojave (Southern Nevada). California includes the Western Diamondback and Southern Pacific.

For vaccine cost and availability, call your veterinarian.

Snake snippets

• There are 19 species of poisonous snakes in the United States; 15 of them are rattlesnakes.

• A decapitated head is dangerous up to 11Ú2 hours after separation (reflex bite).

• The number of rattles on the tail does not represent the snake's age, but how many times it has shed its skin.

• A snake is most dangerous while molting (shedding).

On the Net

www.redrockbiologics.com