It is interesting to read the different feedback everywhere regarding this vaccine.
None of our dogs are exposed to rattle snake areas, but I will be taking my almost 4 month old Pittie pup camping soon and hiking after he gets neutered. I have already mapped out at least 3 local vets to where we will be camping, just in case anything happens (in regards to any kind of injury).
I have not seen an abundance of talk about this, but it seems as if the benefits do out weigh the risks and that side effects are of a low percentage (from what I have read). I have also yet to speak to a vet about this vaccine, but it does appear to definately be something to look into, especially if you live in an area where rattler snakes are common.
EMAILS FROM A DOG RESCUER:
"I received many requests for the rattlesnake vaccination and a couple responses of concern and worry. While I cannot make the decision for you to use it or not, I can tell you this...
I did not take the decision to use it myself lightly. I am not an advocate of vaccinations in generally and never use any thing toxic such as flea controls (I make my own). I have done much research on vaccinations and believe them to cause many illnesses yet people vaccinated their dogs routinely simply because they're vets tell them too. Having had the stressful, emotional, financial misfortune of having my beloved Daisy bitten by a rattlesnake and near death, I do not ever want to experience it again nor do I wish it on anyone else. Most of you do not live in on five acres in the middle of the Mojave desert such as I do where snakes are rampant but, Daisy was bitten in the middle of Hollywood while on a hike in Griffith Park. Since that unfortunate experience, I have educated myself about rattlesnakes and the vaccination. A decision to vaccinate your dog should balance the risk and consequence of a venomous snakebite with the risk and consequence of the vaccination.
I did my due diligence and researched the vaccination before ever deciding to use it. I have spoken to Red Rock, the manufacture of the vaccination every year for the past five years asking for updated information related to adverse affects on dogs. Of course I do not expect them to tell me I shouldn't be using it. The vaccination was legalized in 2003 here in California and 2004 nationally. There has been less then 1% adverse affects reported since it's use. All sides considered, of course there could be adverse cases not known or reported. The most common affect reported by Red Rock and every vet I spoke to, is a begin lump at the injection site which lasts for a week or so and usually causes a high titer during that time.
When I first entertained the thought of using the vaccination, I asked Dr. Scanlon, the famous holistic vet at Sherman Oaks vet, for her opinion. She is the vet who educated me most about vaccinations in general. At the time, she did not have enough data to speak one way or the other about the rattlesnake vaccination but said just as ALL vaccinations can cause adverse affects, so can the rattlesnake vaccination. I have not spoken to her since her retirement.
This year I spoke to Dr. Anderson at ASEC whom I trust implicitly. Since he is a surgeon and not an internist, he spoke to Dr. Downing his Oncologist, doctors Cohen & Trivedi two of his Internist and Dr. Cruikshank, critical care. Dr. Downing said it was very unlikely the vaccination causes cancer, she has never seen a correlation. Both the Internists and the critical care vets said they have not seen any evidence of the vaccination causing any serious or harmful adverse affects. I spoke to Dr. Vega, a homeopathic vet in Valencia I have used for years. She offers the vaccination at her hospital and has not seen or heard of any adverse affects.
Now, does that mean it couldn't cause cancer or other harmful side affects? Of course not and I am not here to tell you it doesn't. There are many many things from vaccinations, medications, food, treats that can cause adverse affects in dogs. We've all heard stories of dogs dying after eating tainted food, treats, mulch, etc. The bottom line is, you all have to follow your own conscience and do what you think is best for your dogs. I have decided for mine, that while I live in rattlesnake country, the most important thing for me is keeping them safe from rattlesnake bites and one of the ways I chose to do that is with a vaccination.
In my research I did come across one case of AIHA (Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia) which is believed to be caused by the vaccination. There might be other cases but I did not find any. In this particular case, the dog did survive.
Let me stress, the vaccination DOES NOT mean you will not have to seek IMMEDIATE medical attention if your dogs is bitten. It DOS NOT inoculate them 100%, it slows the venom down from circulating through the blood stream and hopefully helping to keep their air way open. The most common place for dogs to be bitten is in the face, suffocation is one of the typical causes of death from a rattlesnake bite.
The best prevention is going to be YOU. Just like you have to decide for yourselves if you want to use the vaccination, you also each have to decide if you want to let your dogs off leash during rattlesnake season. Please, please, please be careful! The little deadly buggers are not easy to spot, your dog will probably see it before you do which can be too late. If you are letting your dogs off leash, find a vet who carries the anti-venom closest to where you hike or camp BEFORE HAND!!! A friend lost her beloved Lab after he was bitten while she and her husband were playing tennis in Griffith Park. They rushed him to the first vet, they didn't carry the anti-venom. By the time they got him to the second vet, he was gone. When you are in a state of panic and not thinking clearly, you want to have a plan of action and know exactly where to go and quickly.
If anyone wishes to call Red Rock or read the information on their web site, below is the number and link. If anyone does their own research and finds information related to adverse affects of the vaccination, please let me know. I am always looking for more data.
http://www.redrockbiologics.com/risks.html
866.897.7625 toll-free
If anyone is interested in buying vaccinations, they are $20 per vile. If your dog has received the vaccination within 6 months, you will only need one. If he/she has not, you will need two. The protocol is: dogs under 25 lbs and over 100 lbs. received 3, dogs between 25 - 100 lbs. receive 2, all are given 3 weeks apart.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and be safe!"
"I am getting so many positive responses from many who have used the vaccinations with absolutely no adverse side affects, many whose dogs received the vaccination, been bitten and survived! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
I just wanted to add, a few things, snakes can bite what is called a "dry bite". I do not myself have any experience with dry bites but I have been told the dog can still swell up from the bite itself. Also, it is true baby rattlers are more poisonous then adults. Immature snakes to not know how to control their venom and release most if not all it's venom in one bite. I have heard of dogs being bitten multiple times after stepping in a rattlesnake nest.
Finally you are welcome to all of you who have responded thanking me for this information. While all of you have to decide what is best for your dogs, I simply want to provide all the information I have so you can make the best choice for you and your dog(s) and be at ease with your decision. "
None of our dogs are exposed to rattle snake areas, but I will be taking my almost 4 month old Pittie pup camping soon and hiking after he gets neutered. I have already mapped out at least 3 local vets to where we will be camping, just in case anything happens (in regards to any kind of injury).
I have not seen an abundance of talk about this, but it seems as if the benefits do out weigh the risks and that side effects are of a low percentage (from what I have read). I have also yet to speak to a vet about this vaccine, but it does appear to definately be something to look into, especially if you live in an area where rattler snakes are common.
EMAILS FROM A DOG RESCUER:
"I received many requests for the rattlesnake vaccination and a couple responses of concern and worry. While I cannot make the decision for you to use it or not, I can tell you this...
I did not take the decision to use it myself lightly. I am not an advocate of vaccinations in generally and never use any thing toxic such as flea controls (I make my own). I have done much research on vaccinations and believe them to cause many illnesses yet people vaccinated their dogs routinely simply because they're vets tell them too. Having had the stressful, emotional, financial misfortune of having my beloved Daisy bitten by a rattlesnake and near death, I do not ever want to experience it again nor do I wish it on anyone else. Most of you do not live in on five acres in the middle of the Mojave desert such as I do where snakes are rampant but, Daisy was bitten in the middle of Hollywood while on a hike in Griffith Park. Since that unfortunate experience, I have educated myself about rattlesnakes and the vaccination. A decision to vaccinate your dog should balance the risk and consequence of a venomous snakebite with the risk and consequence of the vaccination.
I did my due diligence and researched the vaccination before ever deciding to use it. I have spoken to Red Rock, the manufacture of the vaccination every year for the past five years asking for updated information related to adverse affects on dogs. Of course I do not expect them to tell me I shouldn't be using it. The vaccination was legalized in 2003 here in California and 2004 nationally. There has been less then 1% adverse affects reported since it's use. All sides considered, of course there could be adverse cases not known or reported. The most common affect reported by Red Rock and every vet I spoke to, is a begin lump at the injection site which lasts for a week or so and usually causes a high titer during that time.
When I first entertained the thought of using the vaccination, I asked Dr. Scanlon, the famous holistic vet at Sherman Oaks vet, for her opinion. She is the vet who educated me most about vaccinations in general. At the time, she did not have enough data to speak one way or the other about the rattlesnake vaccination but said just as ALL vaccinations can cause adverse affects, so can the rattlesnake vaccination. I have not spoken to her since her retirement.
This year I spoke to Dr. Anderson at ASEC whom I trust implicitly. Since he is a surgeon and not an internist, he spoke to Dr. Downing his Oncologist, doctors Cohen & Trivedi two of his Internist and Dr. Cruikshank, critical care. Dr. Downing said it was very unlikely the vaccination causes cancer, she has never seen a correlation. Both the Internists and the critical care vets said they have not seen any evidence of the vaccination causing any serious or harmful adverse affects. I spoke to Dr. Vega, a homeopathic vet in Valencia I have used for years. She offers the vaccination at her hospital and has not seen or heard of any adverse affects.
Now, does that mean it couldn't cause cancer or other harmful side affects? Of course not and I am not here to tell you it doesn't. There are many many things from vaccinations, medications, food, treats that can cause adverse affects in dogs. We've all heard stories of dogs dying after eating tainted food, treats, mulch, etc. The bottom line is, you all have to follow your own conscience and do what you think is best for your dogs. I have decided for mine, that while I live in rattlesnake country, the most important thing for me is keeping them safe from rattlesnake bites and one of the ways I chose to do that is with a vaccination.
In my research I did come across one case of AIHA (Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia) which is believed to be caused by the vaccination. There might be other cases but I did not find any. In this particular case, the dog did survive.
Let me stress, the vaccination DOES NOT mean you will not have to seek IMMEDIATE medical attention if your dogs is bitten. It DOS NOT inoculate them 100%, it slows the venom down from circulating through the blood stream and hopefully helping to keep their air way open. The most common place for dogs to be bitten is in the face, suffocation is one of the typical causes of death from a rattlesnake bite.
The best prevention is going to be YOU. Just like you have to decide for yourselves if you want to use the vaccination, you also each have to decide if you want to let your dogs off leash during rattlesnake season. Please, please, please be careful! The little deadly buggers are not easy to spot, your dog will probably see it before you do which can be too late. If you are letting your dogs off leash, find a vet who carries the anti-venom closest to where you hike or camp BEFORE HAND!!! A friend lost her beloved Lab after he was bitten while she and her husband were playing tennis in Griffith Park. They rushed him to the first vet, they didn't carry the anti-venom. By the time they got him to the second vet, he was gone. When you are in a state of panic and not thinking clearly, you want to have a plan of action and know exactly where to go and quickly.
If anyone wishes to call Red Rock or read the information on their web site, below is the number and link. If anyone does their own research and finds information related to adverse affects of the vaccination, please let me know. I am always looking for more data.
http://www.redrockbiologics.com/risks.html
866.897.7625 toll-free
If anyone is interested in buying vaccinations, they are $20 per vile. If your dog has received the vaccination within 6 months, you will only need one. If he/she has not, you will need two. The protocol is: dogs under 25 lbs and over 100 lbs. received 3, dogs between 25 - 100 lbs. receive 2, all are given 3 weeks apart.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and be safe!"
"I am getting so many positive responses from many who have used the vaccinations with absolutely no adverse side affects, many whose dogs received the vaccination, been bitten and survived! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
I just wanted to add, a few things, snakes can bite what is called a "dry bite". I do not myself have any experience with dry bites but I have been told the dog can still swell up from the bite itself. Also, it is true baby rattlers are more poisonous then adults. Immature snakes to not know how to control their venom and release most if not all it's venom in one bite. I have heard of dogs being bitten multiple times after stepping in a rattlesnake nest.
Finally you are welcome to all of you who have responded thanking me for this information. While all of you have to decide what is best for your dogs, I simply want to provide all the information I have so you can make the best choice for you and your dog(s) and be at ease with your decision. "
