Crotalus Atrox Toxoid

Crotalus Atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake Vaccine)

Product Description

This vaccine is intended for use in healthy dogs as an aid in the reduction of morbidity and mortality due to intoxication with Crotalus atrox (western diamondback rattlesnake) toxin. The vaccine is cross-protective against the venom of several other types of rattlesnakes found in California.

Crotalus Atrox Toxoid is produced from inactivated Crotalus atrox venom combined with an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and thimerosal as preservative. The product is packaged in 1 cc single dose vials with a slight overfill to ensure recovery of the entire dose.

Where The Rattlesnakes Are

Eight types of rattlesnakes are found in California and rattlesnake ranges exist throughout the state. Rattlesnakes may be encountered in rural regions and in suburban areas that are adjacent to natural habitat. Rattlesnakes hibernate during periods of reduced temperatures and thus are generally active in Northern California from approximately March through September. In Southern California, rattlesnakes may be active throughout the year.

Venom Diversity, Vaccine Cross-protection

Rattlesnake venom is a complex mixture of about 15 to 20 protein toxins. The specific composition of rattlesnake venom varies between species, individuals with a species, and even within a single animal over time, depending upon age or nutritional status; however considerable antigenic homology exists. Crotalus Atrox Toxoid is labeled for protection against the venom of the western diamondback rattlesnake. Immunity raised in response to vaccination with this product has also been shown to have a protective effect against the venom of other rattlesnake species found in most regions of California.

Booster Vaccination

Evidence indicates that protective immunity against rattlesnake envenomation is humorally medicated. Because of this, we recommend annual repeat vaccination in order to maintain high anti-venom antibody titers. Additional doses may be appropriate for dogs which are at particular risk for rattlesnake bite.

Client Education

Even though a dog may be vaccinated against rattlesnake envenomation, snakebite should always be considered a veterinary emergency for the following reasons:

1. The type of snake involved is frequently not known.

2. Antibody titers will vary depending upon the individual dog’s response to the vaccine and the length of time since vaccination.

3. The effects of rattlesnake envenomation are dose and route dependant. Intravenous inoculation of venom or an exceptionally large dose may overwhelm even the highest antibody titers.

4. Infection secondary to envenomation and trauma from the bite itself are potentially serious concerns.

Because of these variables, clients should be urged to seek veterinary evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite.

Directions

Keep refrigerated at 35-45°F, do not freeze, shake well before using.

This product is intended for use in healthy dogs as an aid in the reduction of morbidity and mortality due to intoxication with Crotalus atrox toxin. Two doses are recommended, spaced one month apart, with an annual booster given in the spring or approximately one month prior to taking the dogs into rattlesnake habitat. Each dose is 1 cc, given subcutaneously.

Administration should be under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Occasionally, anaphylactic or other adverse reactions may occur. If adverse reactions occur, appropriate therapy with epinephrine or other antianaphylactic drugs should be instituted immediately. Entire contents of each bottle should be used when first opened.

For sale in California only.

Revised: 06/03

Exclusive Distributor: Red Rock Biologics, P.O. Box 8630, Woodland, California 95776

phone 866.897.7625

fax 866.575.7625

Manufactured by: Hygieia Biological Laboratories, Woodland, California 95776

California Veterinary License No. 86

25 single dose vials (1 cc each) per box

Nac No.