vaccines
Moderators: Pike Ridge Beagles, Aaron Bartlett
vaccines
Has anybody ever used the progard-7 vaccines from Jeffers Pet Supply? I have never heard of them, but they were considerably cheaper than the rest. Just wondering what the quality would be on them. Thanks in advance.
Re: vaccines
I have been using the proguard (intervet) 5 now for 3 years. I have had no problems. We don't use the 7 because we do not vaccinate for Lepto. These vaccines had a much higher safety rating than fort dodge which is what we used to use.jogletree wrote:Has anybody ever used the progard-7 vaccines from Jeffers Pet Supply? I have never heard of them, but they were considerably cheaper than the rest. Just wondering what the quality would be on them. Thanks in advance.
Leah
Life's a trip
but it doesn't come with a map
but it doesn't come with a map
jogletree wrote:thanks for the advice. I noticed you are from Utah, is there any reason why you don't treat for the Lepto? We have generally given the 7 way shots to all our dogs.
We don't see cases of Lepto here. Our vets do not include it in their combo vaccines either. Most of the recommendations I'm hearing is that if you are in a high risk area for this (midwest) or places with ponds is that you should not introduce this vaccine until a puppy is at least 12 weeks old and some studies indicate that its only good up to 6 months so, you'd have to continue to revaccinate. Lepto vaccine can cause serious reactions in young dogs and I've had 1 adult dog years ago go down fast after a vaccine with it included. We also do not vaccinate for corona as its only seen in young puppies under 6 weeks and ours are pretty well isolated until then.
Leah
Life's a trip
but it doesn't come with a map
but it doesn't come with a map
Leah is correct. Cases of Lepto have risen in the extreme Northeast, i.e. Maine, Vermont, NH, etc. and in places where there's always standing water - swampy areas of the south where other critters venture. Lepto is usually carried in by another animal that has dallied in infected stagnant water, or by a hound who has dallied in the same. Possums, coons, rats and other rodents are the worst to carry it around.
I wrote and printed a rather large article on Leptospirosis a while back. It's very informative, and i did quite a bit of research on it. If anyone's interested, I'll reprint it here.
I wrote and printed a rather large article on Leptospirosis a while back. It's very informative, and i did quite a bit of research on it. If anyone's interested, I'll reprint it here.
Bev wrote:Leah is correct. Cases of Lepto have risen in the extreme Northeast, i.e. Maine, Vermont, NH, etc. and in places where there's always standing water - swampy areas of the south where other critters venture. Lepto is usually carried in by another animal that has dallied in infected stagnant water, or by a hound who has dallied in the same. Possums, coons, rats and other rodents are the worst to carry it around.
I wrote and printed a rather large article on Leptospirosis a while back. It's very informative, and i did quite a bit of research on it. If anyone's interested, I'll reprint it here.
I think it would be great if you could post your article here. I believe humans can also get it.
Leah
Life's a trip
but it doesn't come with a map
but it doesn't come with a map
-
sturmgewehr
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:41 am
Humans can get lepto. My friend's vet had it. Does some serious kidney damage. Her papillon dog had it and was sick for a very long time.
Lepto caused reactions in 3 out of 4 beagles the year I gave it. Two went into shock and their heads' swelled up. Ever seen a shar pei beagle? Never again. Lepto also mutates and is area specific. Should be avoided in young dogs.
Carolyn
Lepto caused reactions in 3 out of 4 beagles the year I gave it. Two went into shock and their heads' swelled up. Ever seen a shar pei beagle? Never again. Lepto also mutates and is area specific. Should be avoided in young dogs.
Carolyn
Sterm, the very first article to be printed about the snakebite vaccine was in The American Beagler - about year ago. I worked with the vet who research and consulted on the vaccine. It was good for western diamondbacks and some others, but as of last year, they hadn't covered the eastern diamondbacks. She said it would be about another year before it came out. That should put us about now.
Leah, I'll dig up the article on Lepto.
Leah, I'll dig up the article on Lepto.
lmao, how the memory fades. The research was rather long - the article was somewhat abbreviated for page space, but here's the meat of it. hope it helps"
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by pathogenic members of the Genus Leptospira. This disease occurs worldwide in many animals, including our dogs. The canine disease presents as an acute infection of the kidney and liver and sometimes as a septicemia, (or better known as blood poisoning). Because many aspects of the infection are poorly understood, there is the possibility that the disease in dogs may go undiagnosed. While diagnostic methods have improved over the years, most are relatively insensitive. This re-emerging infection is most likely influenced by the cycles of infection in wildlife, where the infection may be transmitted to domestic animals. Chronic kidney disease commonly follows infection, and abortions may occur in pregnant dams. Due to recent trends and events in the Northeastern states, leptospirosis has become suspect of differential diagnoses for dogs that are seen for acute liver and/or kidney disease. Other factors that may affect the pattern of disease in dogs are the vaccination history and the use of antibiotics. Common clinical signs reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, severe muscle pain, or inability to carry puppies to term. Generally younger animals are more seriously affected than older animals.
Leptospira do not multiply outside of the host and their survival depends on environmental conditions in which leptospirae are found, e.g., soil and water conditions. Leptospira organisms can survive up to 180 days in wet soil, for many months in surface water and survive better in stagnant rather than free-flowing water. The source of infection to animals is either by direct contact with infected urine, fetal and placental material or fluids, uterine discharges, or indirect contact from a contaminated environment. A higher incidence of disease is more likely in soils with an alkaline pH, during the wet season (high rainfall areas), in low lying areas susceptible to run off conditions during rains, warm and humid climates, areas with an abundance of surface water resulting in marshy fields and muddy areas. Although dogs in fenced yards may be exposed to urine from wildlife, (including rodents) dogs such as hunting and show breeds, and all those with access to ponds or slow-moving streams are at greater risk than housedogs.
Once leptospires penetrates the mucus membranes or intact or abraded skin, organisms rapidly invade the bloodstream over the next 4 to 11 days, creating a leptospiremia. In susceptible dogs, leptospires usually establish a septicemia and spread systemically to the internal organs, including the liver and kidneys, or to the placenta and fetus of the pregnant dam. If a dog had been vaccinated, it still may have antibodies, or it may mount an anamnestic (or recalled) response in the absence of antibodies. Young dogs who are unvaccinated, or whose dams were not vaccinated, are obviously at greater risk of severe disease and death that may occur due to an acute septicemia or hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells). Previously vaccinated older dogs who, later, become infected naturally with a field strain similar to the vaccine given at an early age generally have minimal clinical signs.
The treatment goals for acute cases of canine leptospirosis are to control the infection in the liver and kidneys before irreparable damage is done, and to suppress the leptospiruria. Severely ill, acute cases require a high degree of supportive care for survival and the immediate administration of fluids is essential. The prognosis is guarded for patients with acute renal failure and/or liver disease. Vaccination is especially recommended in endemic areas. Dogs usually recover after 2 weeks, if treated promptly with antibiotics and intravenous fluids, however, if kidney or liver involvement is severe, the infection may be fatal.
Owners should be advised that leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that can be spread to humans and is spread mainly by the urine of infected dogs. An infected dog’s housing and outside areas need to be thoroughly disinfected. Optimum prevention of contact would be vaccination, avoiding muddy, stagnant water (not always practical for the hunting beagle) and rodents. Needless to say, rodent control is a must and it is not wise to allow dogs to eat dead animals of any kind in the field. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog presents any of the symptoms previously mentioned. - B. Saunders, May 2003
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by pathogenic members of the Genus Leptospira. This disease occurs worldwide in many animals, including our dogs. The canine disease presents as an acute infection of the kidney and liver and sometimes as a septicemia, (or better known as blood poisoning). Because many aspects of the infection are poorly understood, there is the possibility that the disease in dogs may go undiagnosed. While diagnostic methods have improved over the years, most are relatively insensitive. This re-emerging infection is most likely influenced by the cycles of infection in wildlife, where the infection may be transmitted to domestic animals. Chronic kidney disease commonly follows infection, and abortions may occur in pregnant dams. Due to recent trends and events in the Northeastern states, leptospirosis has become suspect of differential diagnoses for dogs that are seen for acute liver and/or kidney disease. Other factors that may affect the pattern of disease in dogs are the vaccination history and the use of antibiotics. Common clinical signs reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, severe muscle pain, or inability to carry puppies to term. Generally younger animals are more seriously affected than older animals.
Leptospira do not multiply outside of the host and their survival depends on environmental conditions in which leptospirae are found, e.g., soil and water conditions. Leptospira organisms can survive up to 180 days in wet soil, for many months in surface water and survive better in stagnant rather than free-flowing water. The source of infection to animals is either by direct contact with infected urine, fetal and placental material or fluids, uterine discharges, or indirect contact from a contaminated environment. A higher incidence of disease is more likely in soils with an alkaline pH, during the wet season (high rainfall areas), in low lying areas susceptible to run off conditions during rains, warm and humid climates, areas with an abundance of surface water resulting in marshy fields and muddy areas. Although dogs in fenced yards may be exposed to urine from wildlife, (including rodents) dogs such as hunting and show breeds, and all those with access to ponds or slow-moving streams are at greater risk than housedogs.
Once leptospires penetrates the mucus membranes or intact or abraded skin, organisms rapidly invade the bloodstream over the next 4 to 11 days, creating a leptospiremia. In susceptible dogs, leptospires usually establish a septicemia and spread systemically to the internal organs, including the liver and kidneys, or to the placenta and fetus of the pregnant dam. If a dog had been vaccinated, it still may have antibodies, or it may mount an anamnestic (or recalled) response in the absence of antibodies. Young dogs who are unvaccinated, or whose dams were not vaccinated, are obviously at greater risk of severe disease and death that may occur due to an acute septicemia or hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells). Previously vaccinated older dogs who, later, become infected naturally with a field strain similar to the vaccine given at an early age generally have minimal clinical signs.
The treatment goals for acute cases of canine leptospirosis are to control the infection in the liver and kidneys before irreparable damage is done, and to suppress the leptospiruria. Severely ill, acute cases require a high degree of supportive care for survival and the immediate administration of fluids is essential. The prognosis is guarded for patients with acute renal failure and/or liver disease. Vaccination is especially recommended in endemic areas. Dogs usually recover after 2 weeks, if treated promptly with antibiotics and intravenous fluids, however, if kidney or liver involvement is severe, the infection may be fatal.
Owners should be advised that leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that can be spread to humans and is spread mainly by the urine of infected dogs. An infected dog’s housing and outside areas need to be thoroughly disinfected. Optimum prevention of contact would be vaccination, avoiding muddy, stagnant water (not always practical for the hunting beagle) and rodents. Needless to say, rodent control is a must and it is not wise to allow dogs to eat dead animals of any kind in the field. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog presents any of the symptoms previously mentioned. - B. Saunders, May 2003
Thanks Bev! Good article.
One time I had to vaccinate a bitch I was shipping to breed. She was about 3 years old and I gave her a vaccine containing the lepto fraction and she almost died.. she became violently ill in 30 seconds after giving it so, I have not ever used it again. I can see that some area's of the country need to but, not here.
Leah
One time I had to vaccinate a bitch I was shipping to breed. She was about 3 years old and I gave her a vaccine containing the lepto fraction and she almost died.. she became violently ill in 30 seconds after giving it so, I have not ever used it again. I can see that some area's of the country need to but, not here.
Leah
Life's a trip
but it doesn't come with a map
but it doesn't come with a map
Strike Before the Snake Does - Dale M. Wallis, DVM - Red Rock Biologics
Rattlesnake bite is a veterinary emergency
that results in serious injury or even death to
thousands of dogs each year. Rattlesnake
venom is a complex mixture of toxins that
spreads through a dog’s body following the
bite. Red Rock Biologics have developed
a vaccine that is quite effective in the prevention
and/or minimization of complications
involving snakebites (envenomations)
by the Western Diamondback (Crotalus
atrox), and some of its subspecies. Red Rock
Rattlesnake Vaccines defend your dog by
creating an immunity that works right away
to help neutralize the toxins. That’s rattlesnake
protection that will put you and your
dog at ease.
The Western Diamondback, which can exceed
seven feet in length, is the largest of
twenty plus species and sub-species of
Southwestern desert rattlers. Although it is
mostly commonly expected in the desert, the
Western Diamondback can be found in
many areas where hunters venture with their
hounds. It occupies diverse habitats, anywhere
from sea level to 7000 feet, and ranging
from desert flats to rocky hillsides, grassy
plains, forested areas, river bottoms and
coastal prairies. Its range spans much of Arkansas,
most of Texas and Oklahoma, the
southern parts of New Mexico and Arizona,
the southern tip of California, and the northern
parts of Mexico’s Chihuahua and
Sonora.
A boldly-patterned snake, The Western
Diamondback’s basic color ranges from
brown to gray - even pinkish, depending on
the shade of its habitat. Along the back are
dark, diamond-shaped blotches outlined by
lighter-colored scales. Two dark stripes distinguish
the head, one on each side of its
face, which run diagonally, (much like a
mask) from its eyes back to its jaws. The tail
is encircled with several alternating black
and white bands, like the pattern of a
raccoon’s tail. The patterns are most distinctive
when the snake is young, and are
more faded, blurred and camouflaged as
the snake ages.
Like its relatives, a clan of some 100 species
of poisonous snakes generally called
“pitvipers” – the Western Diamondback
comes equipped with a spade-shaped
head, a ferocious fang and venom system,
elliptical pupils and heat-sensing facial
pits. It has reserve fangs to replace
those which might break off into a victim.
The venom causes extensive tissue damage,
bleeding and swelling.
Rattlesnake venoms are complex mixtures
of protein toxins. Each is unique to a given
species of rattlesnake. Yet fortunately,
many venom components found in a
given snake’s venom are antigenically related
to components found in many other
types of venom. This means that immunity
to one venom (multiple components) will
often cross-react, or neutralize some or all
of the components in a different venom.
This fact was used in the development of
antivenom about seventy-five years ago,
and is the reason that the Crotalus atrox
toxoid vaccine generates immunity to
much more than just the Western Diamondback
venom.
The Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine has
been licensed by U.S.D.A for use in healthy
dogs as an aid in the prevention of morbidity
and mortality due to envenomation
by Crotalus atrox. The initial sequence is two
doses spaced one month apart, beginning
about two months before anticipated exposure
to rattlesnakes. Peak immunity is
reached four to six weeks after the second
dose, and declines over time. By six months
about half the vaccinated dogs have declined to levels
where a booster dose isappropriate if snake exposure is likely.
Single dose boosters should be given at
six to twelve month intervals, depending
upon the level of rattlesnake exposure:
for dogs exposed to snakes longer than
six months of the year, a sex month
booster interval is appropriate. For many
hunting dogs, where exposure is only
three to four months (while hunting) of the
year, a single booster one month prior to
exposure is sufficient.
What does this vaccination mean to you?
This vaccine is a novel approach to the
problem of rattlesnake bite especially in
our higher risk hunting dogs. Rather than
repeatedly vaccinating a donor animal
(horse, sheep etc.) to generate high-titer
antivenom that is used in treating a
snakebite after it happens, vaccine is not
a treatment for snakebite, but prophylaxis
(prevention) against venom injury.
Because of this, the vaccine is only useful
if given long enough before expected
snake exposure to allow time for antibodies
to be produced in the dog.
The vaccine promotes the formation of
venom-neutralizing antibody in the vaccinated
dog so that the antibody is
present at the time of the bite. The intent
here is not to replace antivenom but to
buy extra time for an owner to reach a
veterinary clinic after a snakebite occurs,
and to minimize the overall risk of injury
to the bitten dog. Even if a snakebite occurred
in the veterinary clinic itself, it
would still require 20-30 minutes to prepare
and begin administration of
antivenom: during that time, the injected
venom might already be causing irreversible
tissue damage in an unvaccinated dog. This is why
rattlesnake bites often result in necrosis (dead tissue)
and sloughing, even when antivenom is promptly
administered.
In the vaccinated dog, the antibodies
from the vaccine are already present and begin
neutralizing venom immediately. In two
years of use in California, vaccinated dogs
have not experienced the tissue damage following
snakebite that is typically seen in nonvaccinates.
The vaccine has been safely administered to
dogs as small as two pounds, as large as 175
pounds as young as four months, as old as fifteen
years, and even to pregnant or lactating
dogs, with no ill effects. It may be given to dogs
that were previously bitten, and does not appear
to increase the risk of adverse events in
dogs that require antivenom. Since immunity
increases with each dose of vaccine and since
the vaccine has an excellent safety record,
dogs at particular risk may benefit from a three
dose initial sequence, followed by single dose
boosters as appropriate. Each owner should
discuss with their veterinarian the relative risk of
vaccination (minimal to nonexistent for most
dogs) vs. the relative risks of envenomation injury
under their particular rattlesnake exposure
circumstances to choose the best option for
vaccinating their dog(s).
The following must be taken in context; they are
anecdotal reports from veterinarians who are
trained to be observers, but we really never
know what the dog’s antibody level was at the
time of the bite, nor do we know how much
venom the snake deposited in the dog. If the
dog’s immunity is a good match for the
amount and type of venom he receives, additional
veterinary treatment (possibly including
antivenom) is warranted. It must be emphasized
that prompt veterinary evaluation and
care is essential to ensure the optimum possible
outcome in envenomations, even for vaccinated
dogs. The veterinarian is the person best
able to determine whether the dog’s immunity
alone is sufficient to deal with the venom
dose received. Delays in seeking veterinary
care even for vaccinated dogs have contributed
to a small number of fatal outcomes in
envenomations.
The best coverage of the vaccine-elicited immunity
is against Western Diamondback (Crotalus
atrox) venom, but good to excellent coverage
has been demonstrated against the
venoms of several subspecies of the western
rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) as well. These are
the populations that predominate west of the
Mississippi River. Good coverage has been
demonstrated against the venom of the Timber
rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus).
Fair to good coverage has been demonstrated
against venoms of the Sistruris species
as well (Massassauga and Pygmy rattlesnakes).
There is a little protection against the
Eastern Diamondback (Crotalus
adamanteus). Interestingly, the vaccine-elicited
antibody has been shown protective
against the venom of the copperhead
(Agkistrodon contortrix) but not at all against
the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivoris). Most
of these venoms contain components that act
against blood or blood vessels; vaccine-elicited
antibody blocks the effects of many of
those components.
There are a few enclaves of Crotalus rattlesnakes
(e.g. Crotalus scutulatus or Mojave
Green) that also have neurotoxins, these
venom components act by paralyzing the
muscles required for breathing, walking, etc.
At this time, we have no evidence that vaccine-
elicited antibody can neutralize neurotoxins,
but further research is ongoing.
Overall, bite reports in vaccinated dogs have
been very favorable. There is less swelling and
pain in vaccinates, and less tissue damage.
Dogs appear to recover faster (1-2 days) following
a bite, compared to the usual four to
six days. Bites in vaccinated dogs may result
in swelling at the bite location, but bruising
and hemorrhage are reduced compared to
what veterinary clinics are used to seeing.
Moreover, several clinics have reported that
swelling is already starting to decrease in vaccinated
dogs upon presentation at the clinic
(prior to any treatment being given), which
is unusual. Many reports indicate swelling is
decreased by over 75% within twenty-four
thirty-six hours following a snakebite in a vaccinated
dog. Even with antivenom, it usually
requires several days to see this kind of regression.
If you would like more information on the
availability of the Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine,
or other vaccines as they are developed,
visit our website at http://www.redrockbiologics.com/ , or contact us
at:
Red Rock Biologics - P.O. Box 8630 - Woodland,
CA 95776 1-866-897-7625
(Edited by B. Saunders, April 2005)
Rattlesnake bite is a veterinary emergency
that results in serious injury or even death to
thousands of dogs each year. Rattlesnake
venom is a complex mixture of toxins that
spreads through a dog’s body following the
bite. Red Rock Biologics have developed
a vaccine that is quite effective in the prevention
and/or minimization of complications
involving snakebites (envenomations)
by the Western Diamondback (Crotalus
atrox), and some of its subspecies. Red Rock
Rattlesnake Vaccines defend your dog by
creating an immunity that works right away
to help neutralize the toxins. That’s rattlesnake
protection that will put you and your
dog at ease.
The Western Diamondback, which can exceed
seven feet in length, is the largest of
twenty plus species and sub-species of
Southwestern desert rattlers. Although it is
mostly commonly expected in the desert, the
Western Diamondback can be found in
many areas where hunters venture with their
hounds. It occupies diverse habitats, anywhere
from sea level to 7000 feet, and ranging
from desert flats to rocky hillsides, grassy
plains, forested areas, river bottoms and
coastal prairies. Its range spans much of Arkansas,
most of Texas and Oklahoma, the
southern parts of New Mexico and Arizona,
the southern tip of California, and the northern
parts of Mexico’s Chihuahua and
Sonora.
A boldly-patterned snake, The Western
Diamondback’s basic color ranges from
brown to gray - even pinkish, depending on
the shade of its habitat. Along the back are
dark, diamond-shaped blotches outlined by
lighter-colored scales. Two dark stripes distinguish
the head, one on each side of its
face, which run diagonally, (much like a
mask) from its eyes back to its jaws. The tail
is encircled with several alternating black
and white bands, like the pattern of a
raccoon’s tail. The patterns are most distinctive
when the snake is young, and are
more faded, blurred and camouflaged as
the snake ages.
Like its relatives, a clan of some 100 species
of poisonous snakes generally called
“pitvipers” – the Western Diamondback
comes equipped with a spade-shaped
head, a ferocious fang and venom system,
elliptical pupils and heat-sensing facial
pits. It has reserve fangs to replace
those which might break off into a victim.
The venom causes extensive tissue damage,
bleeding and swelling.
Rattlesnake venoms are complex mixtures
of protein toxins. Each is unique to a given
species of rattlesnake. Yet fortunately,
many venom components found in a
given snake’s venom are antigenically related
to components found in many other
types of venom. This means that immunity
to one venom (multiple components) will
often cross-react, or neutralize some or all
of the components in a different venom.
This fact was used in the development of
antivenom about seventy-five years ago,
and is the reason that the Crotalus atrox
toxoid vaccine generates immunity to
much more than just the Western Diamondback
venom.
The Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine has
been licensed by U.S.D.A for use in healthy
dogs as an aid in the prevention of morbidity
and mortality due to envenomation
by Crotalus atrox. The initial sequence is two
doses spaced one month apart, beginning
about two months before anticipated exposure
to rattlesnakes. Peak immunity is
reached four to six weeks after the second
dose, and declines over time. By six months
about half the vaccinated dogs have declined to levels
where a booster dose isappropriate if snake exposure is likely.
Single dose boosters should be given at
six to twelve month intervals, depending
upon the level of rattlesnake exposure:
for dogs exposed to snakes longer than
six months of the year, a sex month
booster interval is appropriate. For many
hunting dogs, where exposure is only
three to four months (while hunting) of the
year, a single booster one month prior to
exposure is sufficient.
What does this vaccination mean to you?
This vaccine is a novel approach to the
problem of rattlesnake bite especially in
our higher risk hunting dogs. Rather than
repeatedly vaccinating a donor animal
(horse, sheep etc.) to generate high-titer
antivenom that is used in treating a
snakebite after it happens, vaccine is not
a treatment for snakebite, but prophylaxis
(prevention) against venom injury.
Because of this, the vaccine is only useful
if given long enough before expected
snake exposure to allow time for antibodies
to be produced in the dog.
The vaccine promotes the formation of
venom-neutralizing antibody in the vaccinated
dog so that the antibody is
present at the time of the bite. The intent
here is not to replace antivenom but to
buy extra time for an owner to reach a
veterinary clinic after a snakebite occurs,
and to minimize the overall risk of injury
to the bitten dog. Even if a snakebite occurred
in the veterinary clinic itself, it
would still require 20-30 minutes to prepare
and begin administration of
antivenom: during that time, the injected
venom might already be causing irreversible
tissue damage in an unvaccinated dog. This is why
rattlesnake bites often result in necrosis (dead tissue)
and sloughing, even when antivenom is promptly
administered.
In the vaccinated dog, the antibodies
from the vaccine are already present and begin
neutralizing venom immediately. In two
years of use in California, vaccinated dogs
have not experienced the tissue damage following
snakebite that is typically seen in nonvaccinates.
The vaccine has been safely administered to
dogs as small as two pounds, as large as 175
pounds as young as four months, as old as fifteen
years, and even to pregnant or lactating
dogs, with no ill effects. It may be given to dogs
that were previously bitten, and does not appear
to increase the risk of adverse events in
dogs that require antivenom. Since immunity
increases with each dose of vaccine and since
the vaccine has an excellent safety record,
dogs at particular risk may benefit from a three
dose initial sequence, followed by single dose
boosters as appropriate. Each owner should
discuss with their veterinarian the relative risk of
vaccination (minimal to nonexistent for most
dogs) vs. the relative risks of envenomation injury
under their particular rattlesnake exposure
circumstances to choose the best option for
vaccinating their dog(s).
The following must be taken in context; they are
anecdotal reports from veterinarians who are
trained to be observers, but we really never
know what the dog’s antibody level was at the
time of the bite, nor do we know how much
venom the snake deposited in the dog. If the
dog’s immunity is a good match for the
amount and type of venom he receives, additional
veterinary treatment (possibly including
antivenom) is warranted. It must be emphasized
that prompt veterinary evaluation and
care is essential to ensure the optimum possible
outcome in envenomations, even for vaccinated
dogs. The veterinarian is the person best
able to determine whether the dog’s immunity
alone is sufficient to deal with the venom
dose received. Delays in seeking veterinary
care even for vaccinated dogs have contributed
to a small number of fatal outcomes in
envenomations.
The best coverage of the vaccine-elicited immunity
is against Western Diamondback (Crotalus
atrox) venom, but good to excellent coverage
has been demonstrated against the
venoms of several subspecies of the western
rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) as well. These are
the populations that predominate west of the
Mississippi River. Good coverage has been
demonstrated against the venom of the Timber
rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus).
Fair to good coverage has been demonstrated
against venoms of the Sistruris species
as well (Massassauga and Pygmy rattlesnakes).
There is a little protection against the
Eastern Diamondback (Crotalus
adamanteus). Interestingly, the vaccine-elicited
antibody has been shown protective
against the venom of the copperhead
(Agkistrodon contortrix) but not at all against
the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivoris). Most
of these venoms contain components that act
against blood or blood vessels; vaccine-elicited
antibody blocks the effects of many of
those components.
There are a few enclaves of Crotalus rattlesnakes
(e.g. Crotalus scutulatus or Mojave
Green) that also have neurotoxins, these
venom components act by paralyzing the
muscles required for breathing, walking, etc.
At this time, we have no evidence that vaccine-
elicited antibody can neutralize neurotoxins,
but further research is ongoing.
Overall, bite reports in vaccinated dogs have
been very favorable. There is less swelling and
pain in vaccinates, and less tissue damage.
Dogs appear to recover faster (1-2 days) following
a bite, compared to the usual four to
six days. Bites in vaccinated dogs may result
in swelling at the bite location, but bruising
and hemorrhage are reduced compared to
what veterinary clinics are used to seeing.
Moreover, several clinics have reported that
swelling is already starting to decrease in vaccinated
dogs upon presentation at the clinic
(prior to any treatment being given), which
is unusual. Many reports indicate swelling is
decreased by over 75% within twenty-four
thirty-six hours following a snakebite in a vaccinated
dog. Even with antivenom, it usually
requires several days to see this kind of regression.
If you would like more information on the
availability of the Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine,
or other vaccines as they are developed,
visit our website at http://www.redrockbiologics.com/ , or contact us
at:
Red Rock Biologics - P.O. Box 8630 - Woodland,
CA 95776 1-866-897-7625
(Edited by B. Saunders, April 2005)
You won't have to go too far south. Ask Patch to be sure, but I believe IDNR (or somebody) dropped Timber Rattlers in burlaps bags down around the reclaimed strip mines a few years back. Thought they's help with rodent control...
Somebosy correct me if I'm just passing along rumor or if there's any truth to this.
Somebosy correct me if I'm just passing along rumor or if there's any truth to this.