04/10/2025
It's warming up outside and you know what that means? Rattlesnakes….and while we DO have Antivenin here, Antivenin is very expensive. It also has no guarantee it will work and must be given almost immediately to have a successful outcome. We normally follow up with fluids, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. The treatment for a rattlesnake bites is around $1500 depending on your animals size and cannot be made in payments. That's why we offer a Rattlesnake vaccine. It is a two series vaccine, and costs $40 each. This vaccination offers protection if a bite were to occur. It is available for both cats and dogs.
What is the difference between the two? The vaccine stimulates a dog/cat to create his own antibodies to rattlesnake venom that will protect him from bites that happen in the future. Antivenin is used to neutralize the snakes venom.
We recommend even if your animal is bit and protected by the vaccination to bring your animal in to get antibiotics and fluid therapy. From our experience, with the vaccination, you don't need the anitvenin but it is always safer to have your animal seen by your vet after any snake bite.
It is always best to be prepared, especially when it comes to your furry friends. Give us a call for more information or to schedule and appointment:)
