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Tehachapi 2006
Small Business
of the Year
Founding
Director
Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets (STOP) January 2008
Main Street Tehachapi
Proud Member
Since March 2008
Tehachapi Chamber
of Commerce
Board of Directors
Since January 2007
Founder/Moderator
Pet Industry Retailers (PIR) Peer Networking Group, Since May 2005
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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
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