Thursday, April 21, 2011

Rattlesnakes

For those of you who know where I work, we have been receiving an influx of calls for rattlesnakes showing up.  I have gathered some information that you may find useful and hopefully will never need.


~ Christina







*** THIS IS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND NOT TO BE INTENDED AS A HOW-TO OR EXPERT ADVICE!!! ***  

As a reminder for GDA Puppy Raisers: we do not train our puppies for snake avoidance nor (as far as I know) do we vaccinate against rattlesnakes.  This is general information for dog owners everywhere. 
      
Rattlesnake season is upon us.  In Southern California it usually lasts year round (unless you live in snowy environs, in which case they hibernate during the winter) and tends to increase in the warmer months.  Where I work we have been getting more and more calls on 911 about people reporting rattlesnakes in suburban areas.  Most of these are along trails, in parks and open or woody areas, but they are starting to show up in neighborhoods and in people's yards. This is a very common situation for Southern California, these snakes are native to the area and in their natural habitat.  

With the recent rains and the grass starting to grow this means that the local rodents and rabbits will increase their numbers.  With the increase in a food source, the snake population is sure to increase as well.  Since the weather is starting to warm up and the days are getting longer, people in general are spending more and more time outdoors alone and with their pets.  If you happen to run into a rattlesnake, the best thing to do isgive it a wide berth and leave it alone.  Most of the time if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.  

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Here is some additional information about living in snake country from Red Rock Biologics (www.redrockbiologics.com).  

The following information is from the pharmaceutical company that created the "Rattlesnake Vaccine".  I have never heard of a rattlesnake vaccine prior to now and this is not an endorsement in any way.  In my opinion, the best preventative is being aware of yourself and your dog at all times.  If you live in an area where snakes are known to live, talk with your vet and see what they recommend is best for you and your pet.

  • Rattlesnakes live in a variety of habitats.
They are found in wetlands, deserts and forests, from sea level to mountain elevations. Rattlesnakes are most active in warmer seasons, from Spring to Autumn. In southern latitudes they are occasionally found year-round.
  • Dogs are at risk for rattlesnake bite.
Dogs can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitat. You and your dog may live in rattlesnake habitat. Perhaps you travel through or frequently visit places where rattlesnakes are found. Maybe rattlesnakes are around when you take your dog hiking, camping or hunting. Like people, dogs may stumble over the location of a snake by accident. Curiosity or a protective instinct can place your dog at risk. In each case, vaccination helps to protect her.
  • Damage caused by rattlesnake bite can be serious.
When injected into an unprotected dog, the toxic components of snake venom are very painful and can have serious consequences. Even if your dog survives the immediate effects of a rattlesnake bite, she can be permanently injured.
  • Treatment of rattlesnake bite is expensive.
Treatment of snakebite may include anti-venom injections which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Use of anti-venom is associated with an increased risk of adverse effects which can complicate a dog’s recovery. Other costs of snakebite treatment may include hospitalization, intravenous fluids or other medicines. Vaccination is safer than anti-venom treatment. Vaccination can reduce the overall effects of snakebite, reduce or eliminate the need for anti-venom, and decrease other treatment costs as well.
  • Protocol for prevention.
The first year your dog is vaccinated, she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent booster doses are recommended annually in the Spring, or about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat.
  • The vaccine stimulates your dog's own immunity.
This process makes vaccination safer than anti-venom treatment. Protective antibodies made by your dog in response to the vaccine start neutralizing venom immediately. On average, antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of anti-venom. This means vaccinated dogs should experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from rattlesnake bite.
  • Snakebite is always an emergency.
Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, she should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Even bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine if your dog is sufficiently protected for the specific type of snake involved and the amount of venom injected, or whether additional medical treatment would be helpful.
  • There are many different poisonous snakes.
Red Rock Biologics is developing a variety of vaccines to provide the best protection against poisonous snakes for dogs in each part of the country. Ask your veterinarian which available vaccine formulation is best for your dog

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I have attached the following websites for your information.  Remember the best defense against a poisonous snake bite is knowledge and awareness.

The first has basic information about most reptiles and amphibians found in California.  It has some great photos and audio clips on how to tell one snake from the other and photos of some defensive postures.  This site not only covers rattlesnakes but also lizards, frogs and non-venomous snakes.  Good information.


This site is the California Department of Fish and Game.  Includes additional information on the do's and don'ts of living and hiking in snake country.  


This is a pamphlet issued by the Pharmaceutical Department at UC Davis.  Most of this information is for those in the veterinary medical field, however it does give a good information as to how to recognize poisonous snake bites, treatment options and care of the animal after the bite and treatment.


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If your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately and let them know what happened.  Here is a list of websites for several after hours and 24-hour emergency clinics in Southern California.  I have not been to any of these clinics and do not know their procedures policies or whether or not they carry rattlesnake anti-venom.  Please call ahead and get the information for your local area. 


Name: Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County
Hours: 
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri 6pm-8am
Sat-Mon  12pm-8am
Locations: Mission Viejo  949-364-6228


Name: Orange County Emergency Pet Clinics
Hours:
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri  6pm - 8am  
Sat-Mon (and most major holidays) 12pm-8am
Locations:
Garden Grove  714-537-3032
Fullerton 714-441-2925
La Habra 562-690-2925


Name: Irvine Regional Animal Emergency Hospital
Hours:
 Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri 6pm-8am  
Sat-Mon and holidays 24 hours
Locations:  Irvine  949-833-9020


Name: Advanced Critical Care and Internal Medicine (where many OC police departments take their K-9's)
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Locations: Tustin  949-654-8950


Name: Yorba Regional Animal Hospital
Hours:
Mon-Fri  8am-8pm  
Sat 8am-6pm  
Sun 9am-5pm  
Staffed for Emergencies 24-Hours 
Locations: Anaheim  714-921-8700


Name: Veterinary Clinics of America (VCA) Aacacia Clinic
Hours: 7 days a week, 24-Hours 
Locations: Corona  951-371-1002


Name: Mission Animal Emergency Hospital
Hours: 
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am-8pm   8pm-midnight for emergencies
Weds, Sat, Sun  2pm-midnight
Locations:  Granada Hills  818-363-8143


Name: Animal Emergency Center
Hours:
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs  6pm-8am
Fri - Mon   6pm-8am
Major Holidays 24-Hours
Locations: Studio City  818-760-3882


Name: Beverly Hills Small Animal Hospital (no emergency hours, but the site has good info)
Hours:
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri  7am - 6:30pm
Sat 7am - 4:30pm
Sun  Closed
Locations: Beverly Hills   310-276-7113


Name: Advanced Veterinary Care Center
Hours: 7 Days a Week, 24-Hours
Locations:
Lawndale  310-542-8018
Tustin  949-559-0133 (no emergency services)
Woodland Hills  818-436-4630 (no emergency services)


Name: Emergency Pet Clinic of South Bay
Hours:
Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri  6pm-8am
Sat-Mon  12pm-8am
Holidays 24-Hours
Locations: Torrance  818-320-8300

If you are in need of a regular vet and don't know where to find one, check out the following site.  It lists several veterinary clinics and hospitals in your area.  Just select your city and state.


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POISON HELP LINES (from www.animalnetwork.org)
For Emergency Poison Information you can contact the following Animal Poison Control Hotlines.  There is a fee for each call.  

***If your pet is experiencing seizures, bleeding or trouble breathing or is unconscious go to a local veterinary immediately***

Pet Poison Helpline
24 Hour Help Line
1-800-213-6680
Veterinary Toxicologists Give Life-Saving Veterinary Medical Advice
The Pet Poison Helpline is made up of a team of dedicated veterinary health professionals and toxicologists to help veterinarians and pet owners to treat potentially poisoned pets, 24 hours a day. Registering a poisoned pet with the Pet Poison Helpline costs just $35 This fee includes expert treatment advice for a variety of pet species including: dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and exotic pets. It also includes follow-up consultations

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-426-4435
Veterinary Toxicologists Give Life-Saving Veterinary Medical Advice
24 Hour Help Line
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is the foremost animal-oriented poison control center in North America. This facility is staffed by 25 veterinarians, 10 veterinarian technicians and 5 veterinary toxicologists, who offer specific treatment advice, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. A consultation fee of $65.00 applies
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