Rattlesnake Vaccine, One Vet’s Opinion

There is a product on the market called Crotalus Atrox Toxoid. It is a lifestyle vaccine that some veterinarians offer to dogs at risk of exposure to rattlesnake bites. I used to give this vaccine without question to those who had a lifestyle that seemed to indicate its use. At the time, I was still on social media, and went to a veterinary support group to get an idea of the consensus on where on the body this vaccine was commonly given (each vaccine has a standard location for subcutaneous administration - the Rabies vaccine, for example, is typically given in the right hind leg). To my surprise, some of the answers were along the lines of “put the vaccine in the trash” rather than indicating a location on the body.

This prompted me to do a bit more research on the product, searching for evidence of its efficacy (or lack thereof). It turns out, there are no in vivo studies in dogs demonstrating its efficacy, and the published clinical reviews of snake bite cases show no statistical difference in the treatments and outcomes of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated dogs.

I would hope that because this product is still occasionally used, it’s benign at worst. I am not convinced this is the case. There is a higher incidence of sterile abscesses at the injection site compared to other vaccines, and even a 2017 paper that shows not only lack of efficacy, but incidence of anaphylaxis related to previous administration of the vaccine.

As pet guardians, we must advocate for our pets. We can collaborate with veterinary professionals, and simultaneously empower ourselves with knowledge, seeking reputable information from trusted sources. While veterinary medicine is sometimes an art more than a science, it is important to find a balance of artistry, experience, and evidence base for patient preventive and treatment plans. If a dog sustains a rattlesnake bite, it is a medical emergency, and urgent treatment at a facility that carries antivenin should not be delayed.