Comments on: Rattlesnake Vaccine http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/ Bird Dog Training in Idaho Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:38:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Michelle Scott http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-41 Michelle Scott Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:05:17 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-41 In response to Shari McCann's post - our Puggle, did in fact have an allergic reaction to the rattlesnake vaccination. He still has a scar to this day at the injection site. His reaction was not caused by Heartgard. I can positively make this statement because he had not started Heartgard at the time of the vaccination. I am replying to this post because I fully believe that information is the best cure and I would hate for other people to have their pets suffer as mine dog did from the rattlesnake vaccination. While it seems that Elkhound discussed in Shari's post did have a reaction to Heartgard (and Heartgard is a form of poision that we give our pets), please dear readers, know that many, many people have had adverse reactions to the rattlesnake vaccination. Be informed and weigh the pros and cons before subjecting your puppy to the rattlesnake vaccine. In response to Shari McCann’s post – our Puggle, did in fact have an allergic reaction to the rattlesnake vaccination. He still has a scar to this day at the injection site.

His reaction was not caused by Heartgard. I can positively make this statement because he had not started Heartgard at the time of the vaccination.

I am replying to this post because I fully believe that information is the best cure and I would hate for other people to have their pets suffer as mine dog did from the rattlesnake vaccination.

While it seems that Elkhound discussed in Shari’s post did have a reaction to Heartgard (and Heartgard is a form of poision that we give our pets), please dear readers, know that many, many people have had adverse reactions to the rattlesnake vaccination. Be informed and weigh the pros and cons before subjecting your puppy to the rattlesnake vaccine.

]]> By: Shari McCann http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-40 Shari McCann Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:10:21 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-40 The symptoms (hair loss, painful hives and itching) described by Michelle Scott are similar to my mom's Norwegian Elkhound's who at approximately five years of age began to have near-fatal reactions to Heartgard. After ruling out food and environmental allergies as the cause of his symptoms, our vets (we saw several specialists) contacted the manufacturer who said no similar cases had been reported. Again, there is always a first. In any case, after nearly losing his life and having to wear an "e collar" for nearly two years while we were treating as an "allergy" my aunt came across a related article on the internet. She suggested my mom stop giving the dog Heartgard and voila!! It takes awhile for the HG to get out of the system but we saw positive results within weeks. Within a few months, his hair and skin grew back in. We subsequently tried topical prescriptions but had the same horrific results within a matter of days/couple weeks. The university in Lansing Michigan should have a case study on this since we took Thor Jr. to them about this. They too had no experience with prior. The symptoms (hair loss, painful hives and itching) described by Michelle Scott are similar to my mom’s Norwegian Elkhound’s who at approximately five years of age began to have near-fatal reactions to Heartgard. After ruling out food and environmental allergies as the cause of his symptoms, our vets (we saw several specialists) contacted the manufacturer who said no similar cases had been reported. Again, there is always a first. In any case, after nearly losing his life and having to wear an “e collar” for nearly two years while we were treating as an “allergy” my aunt came across a related article on the internet. She suggested my mom stop giving the dog Heartgard and voila!! It takes awhile for the HG to get out of the system but we saw positive results within weeks. Within a few months, his hair and skin grew back in. We subsequently tried topical prescriptions but had the same horrific results within a matter of days/couple weeks. The university in Lansing Michigan should have a case study on this since we took Thor Jr. to them about this. They too had no experience with prior.

]]> By: Marilyn Maniscalco http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-39 Marilyn Maniscalco Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:42 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-39 I would really like a statement from the makers of this vaccine. I was wanting to use it but now I am scared to put my pet through that. She is 12 years old. We live in the deep south in Mississippi and have plenty of snakes. Amend that to a "true statement" from verifiable resources. I would really like a statement from the makers of this vaccine. I was wanting to use it but now I am scared to put my pet through that. She is 12 years old. We live in the deep south in Mississippi and have plenty of snakes. Amend that to a
“true statement” from verifiable resources.

]]> By: jake http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-38 jake Sat, 09 May 2009 03:12:12 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-38 I had all 3 of my German Shepherds vaccinated with the redrock vaccine. 24 hours later all 3 of them were noticeably lethargic. As a nurse I contributed this to a possible systemic reaction to the vaccine much as people have to the flu shot. Another day passed and none of my dogs were moving much at all. I called the vet and was told they had no appointments. I took all three dogs to the emergency vet. The last time I saw all 3 of them alive was when they went back to the treatment bay. One died within minutes of being admited the other 2 died within the hour in my arms. I do not reccomend this vaccine to any one. I had all 3 of my German Shepherds vaccinated with the redrock vaccine. 24 hours later all 3 of them were noticeably lethargic. As a nurse I contributed this to a possible systemic reaction to the vaccine much as people have to the flu shot. Another day passed and none of my dogs were moving much at all. I called the vet and was told they had no appointments. I took all three dogs to the emergency vet. The last time I saw all 3 of them alive was when they went back to the treatment bay. One died within minutes of being admited the other 2 died within the hour in my arms. I do not reccomend this vaccine to any one.

]]> By: Maryanne http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-37 Maryanne Sat, 13 Dec 2008 04:50:07 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-37 I found too late that the rattlesnake vaccine can be dangerous. I live on a canyon and my dog is exposed with minimal risk to rattlesnakes - it could happen, but it is not a snake infested area. My vet advertised the vaccine in the waiting room, and I questioned its efficacy. I was told there were no known side effects. I had my 50-lb Tilly vaccinated. She developed a lump at the site which lasted several weeks. She seemed low on energy, developed skin rashes and, in several weeks, she "slowed down." That was the beginning of a long decline. Now, six months later, she is in liver failure and is undergoing amino acid i.v. treatments, which is, at this point, just buying her (and me) more time. It has been heartbreaking to watch her health fail. While there is no absolute proof that the vaccine caused Tilly's illness, I believe it's certainly linked. I found too late that the rattlesnake vaccine can be dangerous. I live on a canyon and my dog is exposed with minimal risk to rattlesnakes – it could happen, but it is not a snake infested area. My vet advertised the vaccine in the waiting room, and I questioned its efficacy. I was told there were no known side effects. I had my 50-lb Tilly vaccinated. She developed a lump at the site which lasted several weeks. She seemed low on energy, developed skin rashes and, in several weeks, she “slowed down.” That was the beginning of a long decline. Now, six months later, she is in liver failure and is undergoing amino acid i.v. treatments, which is, at this point, just buying her (and me) more time. It has been heartbreaking to watch her health fail.

While there is no absolute proof that the vaccine caused Tilly’s illness, I believe it’s certainly linked.

]]> By: Al http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-36 Al Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:20:57 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-36 WE live in a high-snake area of New Mexico and have had both of our Rhodesians vaccinated using the Red Rock vaccine. Beyond a bit of tenderness at the injection site there has been no negative impact from the vaccine. While the jury is still out on the efficacy of the vaccine even a slight edge given a dog must be taken I believe. If ever there is any negativity resulting from the use of this vaccine I will post it at this site. WE live in a high-snake area of New Mexico and have had both of our Rhodesians vaccinated using the Red Rock vaccine. Beyond a bit of tenderness at the injection site there has been no negative impact from the vaccine. While the jury is still out on the efficacy of the vaccine even a slight edge given a dog must be taken I believe. If ever there is any negativity resulting from the use of this vaccine I will post it at this site.

]]> By: Fran Hesser http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-35 Fran Hesser Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:25:03 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-35 Our three year old yellow lab was bitten by a rattlesnake three weeks ago and survived the incident with medical care. Luckily, she had the rattlesnake vaccine (three doses) two years ago and boosters each year since. We live in southern arizona where rattlesnakes are plentiful. Our vet said she's had 19 dogs bitten by rattlesnakes so far this year and all but three died. Those three had all had the rattlesnake vaccine. So, of course, I think it's worthwhile. I did notice one possible side effect from the vaccine, but our vet could not definitely say it was from the vaccine. Our dog runs constantly with us - both on hikes and when we ride our horses. Twice, a couple of weeks after getting the vaccine, our lab experienced highquarter difficulties where she seemed to lose control of her limbs. it lasted only a few minutes. We gave her water in case it was a heat stroke and kept her in the shade. This year, three weeks after her rattlesnake bite I took her riding with me for the first time and she experienced the same loss of hindquarter control. I'm wondering if there is not something similar in both the vaccine and the actual venom of the rattlesnake which caused a neurological reaction? Our three year old yellow lab was bitten by a rattlesnake three weeks ago and survived the incident with medical care. Luckily, she had the rattlesnake vaccine (three doses) two years ago and boosters each year since.
We live in southern arizona where rattlesnakes are plentiful. Our vet said she’s had 19 dogs bitten by rattlesnakes so far this year and all but three died. Those three had all had the rattlesnake vaccine. So, of course, I think it’s worthwhile.
I did notice one possible side effect from the vaccine, but our vet could not definitely say it was from the vaccine. Our dog runs constantly with us – both on hikes and when we ride our horses. Twice, a couple of weeks after getting the vaccine, our lab experienced highquarter difficulties where she seemed to lose control of her limbs. it lasted only a few minutes. We gave her water in case it was a heat stroke and kept her in the shade.
This year, three weeks after her rattlesnake bite I took her riding with me for the first time and she experienced the same loss of hindquarter control. I’m wondering if there is not something similar in both the vaccine and the actual venom of the rattlesnake which caused a neurological reaction?

]]> By: Debra http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-34 Debra Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:15:12 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-34 We have had severe side effects of the snake vaccine with our Corgis two weeks after getting the vaccine. Vomitting and diarhea and dehydration for two nights. We keep being told it is not the vaccine, but we experienced this the same way in 2006, almost losing one of the dogs. We are now going to go through the snake avoidance training, and pass on the vaccine i the future. The vaccine almost killed our dog. We have had severe side effects of the snake vaccine with our Corgis two weeks after getting the vaccine. Vomitting and diarhea and dehydration for two nights. We keep being told it is not the vaccine, but we experienced this the same way in 2006, almost losing one of the dogs. We are now going to go through the snake avoidance training, and pass on the vaccine i the future. The vaccine almost killed our dog.

]]> By: Michelle Scott http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-33 Michelle Scott Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:07:50 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-33 We have a four month old Puggle (Beagle monther, Pug father). He was vaccinated for his last parvo, lyme disease and rattlesnake on Friday. He whined and cried throughout the day and threw up in the afternoon (not too unusual). Almost 12 hours after the shot, I realized his little body (16 lbs) was covered in hives. His vet does not have emergency hours, so I took him to an emergency vet. They treated with benadryl and steriods. He seems better but is sleeping a lot now. He has a huge lump on one shoulder which could be from any of the vaccines he received that day. The emergency vet said that their office does not recommend the rattlesnake vaccine. The regular vet said that they did not think the rattlesnake vaccine caused it. I'm concerned if we should get the 2nd booster? We are in Nevada and my husband wants to take the pup into the mountains (which is why we thought it would be a good idea). The Beagle blood makes him really want to hunt things down. Any ideas, comments would be welcomed. My email is MichelleScott6555@gmail.com. We have a four month old Puggle (Beagle monther, Pug father). He was vaccinated for his last parvo, lyme disease and rattlesnake on Friday. He whined and cried throughout the day and threw up in the afternoon (not too unusual). Almost 12 hours after the shot, I realized his little body (16 lbs) was covered in hives. His vet does not have emergency hours, so I took him to an emergency vet. They treated with benadryl and steriods. He seems better but is sleeping a lot now. He has a huge lump on one shoulder which could be from any of the vaccines he received that day. The emergency vet said that their office does not recommend the rattlesnake vaccine. The regular vet said that they did not think the rattlesnake vaccine caused it. I’m concerned if we should get the 2nd booster? We are in Nevada and my husband wants to take the pup into the mountains (which is why we thought it would be a good idea). The Beagle blood makes him really want to hunt things down. Any ideas, comments would be welcomed. My email is MichelleScott6555@gmail.com.

]]> By: Roger Snyder http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-32 Roger Snyder Thu, 29 May 2008 17:41:49 +0000 http://www.covemountainkennels.com/rattlesnake-vaccine/#comment-32 I had my Min Pin vaccinated around 10 days ago. He got a small bump the day after and it has continued growing and growing to the size of a chicken egg. I made an appointment with the vet for tomorrow. Last night he scratched through the skin and some clear/bloody fluid drained out. There is a hole in his flesh left at the injection site. I picked off the scab from this and gently pushed the rest of the fluid out this morning. I look forward to seeing the vet tomorrow morning. Obviously the vaccine is NOT safe for all dogs. Based on my personal experience, I would not reccomend that anyone with a SMALL dog get this vaccine. I also would not recommend it for medium to large dogs unless someone is in a rattlesnake infested area. I had my Min Pin vaccinated around 10 days ago. He got a small bump the day after and it has continued growing and growing to the size of a chicken egg. I made an appointment with the vet for tomorrow. Last night he scratched through the skin and some clear/bloody fluid drained out. There is a hole in his flesh left at the injection site. I picked off the scab from this and gently pushed the rest of the fluid out this morning. I look forward to seeing the vet tomorrow morning. Obviously the vaccine is NOT safe for all dogs. Based on my personal experience, I would not reccomend that anyone with a SMALL dog get this vaccine. I also would not recommend it for medium to large dogs unless someone is in a rattlesnake infested area.

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