Snake bite serum ?

[Nulle]

One of our local Vets is getting hunting dogs in by the truck load for a two shot series for a snake bite preventative.
I talked with one Vet that helps us out and he just kind of shrugged and said it is not a sure cure if you dog gets bit and he has not been giving them as yet. I think they are charging $15 a shot with a two shot series but the other alternative is $400.00 and up in this area.
You folks know any more then I do on the pros and cons on this ?

[huntingvet]

It sounds like you are talking about the vaccine designed to deliver some protection if bitten by a rattlesnake.

It is a new vaccine produced by a pretty small pharmaceutical/biologic company. The package insert still clearly recommends that dogs that are bitten should immediately seek veterinary care even if bitten. As a practicing veterinarian I would still recommend anti-venin in the early stages to try to minimize complications from rattlesnake bites. The vaccine therefore does not alleviate the need for medical care.

The American Animal Hospital Association does not recommend its use.

[gspsonny03]

I hadn't heard of this, but I did notice in my latest issue of the PDJ. that they are advertising rattlesnake anti venom to take with you on your hunting trips. My question would be how long is this stuff good for, wheather it be the anti venom or the shots. I thought that I had read somewhere that it doesn't stay good for very long. Anybody know if this is true?

[huntingvet]

Did a little more research and found this information on the UC Davis Veterinary School website:

"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 licence 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."

Bottom line is this:

A vaccine may afford some protection in the event a dog was bitten by the right kind of snake but immediate veterinary care including probable anti-venin administration is recommended in my opinion. In addition, anti-venin or anti-serum is a prescription only product that is very expensive, has a finite shelf life, must be administered IV under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, is just one component of most rattlesnake bite treatments, is probably too expensive for YOU to keep on hand for the one in a thousand chance your dog will get bit, and is not without risk when administered.

Therefore, as a small animal veterinarian practicing in rattlesnake territory, I recommend against the use of the vaccine, immediate veterinary care if your dog is bitten by a snake, and prompt use of anti-venin especially within the first 24 hours.

Hope this helps clarify.

[Valigator]

Best defense is to take your vet hunting with you.....